The 15th February marks the start of one of the most universal, fun, and anticipated fiestas. It’s a celebration – if the historians are to be believed – with a 5,000 year history, and it’s a place where anything goes. We are of course talking about Carnival.

As well as exceptional paella, Begur has a lot of other attractions. The nearby traditional Carnival fiestas are full of colour and fun: how could they be anything else? You’ve got two chances to enjoy it, and both are very close to our restaurant in Sa Riera.

15 – 26th February, Platja D’aro Carnival.

Festivities will begin with a Paella Popular (a paella tradition) on the 20th, Jueves Lardero (Fat Thursday), and the Canvi d’Atributs ceremony where the 2019 Carnival Kings will hand over their powers to the reigning kings for this year.

This will be the start of the town’s popular, long-established fiestas, culminating in one of the most impressive shows the region has to offer. Obviously we’re talking about the famous Gran Desfile de Carrozas y Comparsas (Grand Floats Parade).

A morning parade will happen before this one for local participants. On the Saturday afternoon you’ll have the chance to see 60 floats on the parade, with more than 4,000 participants. Afterwards at the fantastic town dance, more than 8,000 euros will be up for grabs with prizes in each of the categories.

From 15th to 26th February, Palamós Carnival.

Palamós has been celebrating the “ball del drac” since days of old: it’s an ancient sailor dance that used to be performed on the beach but has since moved to the casinos of Palamós. We do know for sure that Carnivals were already being celebrated in 1850. Unfortunately, fiestas were severely dampened during the twists and turns of the Civil War and prohibited under Franco, but they were celebrated under different names to get around the prohibition.

A Carnival revival in 1983. A timid start that’s strengthened over the years. This year festivities begin on Saturday 15th February, with the presentation dinner, and end on 6th March, Ash Wednesday, with the Burial of the Sardine. Over these 10 days, a number of activities will build up to the climax at the weekend, with a celebration of the Gran Pasacalle de la tarde del sábado (Grand Evening Parade) on Saturday, a masquerade ball in the evening, and the float parade show on Sunday. There won’t be any shortage of decorations in the streets and shops, and there’ll be other activities such as the Vesprà and Despertà too.

Two weekends, two leisure options, and one magnificent restaurant in Begur

Which will you choose? Here at the Restaurant Costa Brava we recommend all of them. Make the most of the first weekend and enjoy the parade, and head to Palamós the following weekend. You definitely won’t regret it. And naturally we’ll be there, at our restaurant in Sa Riera, Begur, to serve up our Mediterranean proximity cuisine. How about starting the day with brunch or a sandwich? Or you could try Begur’s best rice dishes and paellas, a delicious suquet fish stew, or even make it down for your last drink and a little nibble to finish off your evening.

Fiestas and gastronomy, what more could you want? Come and join us.