All set to Shimmy!

Seriously?

Seriously?

It’s not every year that Valentine’s Day coincides with Carnaval, but there was definitely something in the air at Loule this year.  As the band ratcheted up the volume, toes tapped, hips swayed and a full-blooded shimmy was just a heartbeat away.

It was my second visit to the Algarve’s biggest Carnaval event, so I had a good idea what to expect.  The Portuguese have a healthy disrespect for politicians and celebrities, and this year’s theme of Sport poked gentle fun at heroes and villains alike. The floats are beautifully constructed labours of love, and there’s an infectious atmosphere of gaiety and excitement. The children have their own mini Carnaval in the schools, and often wear their costumes to the grand parade.  Here are just a few of the scenes that made me smile.

Let the show begin!

Let the show begin!

Recognise anyone?

Recognise anyone?

Most sports were represented

Most sports were represented

Though I didn’t always recognise the players
There were all shapes and sizes
And many activities!
It's all downhill for some!

It’s all downhill for some!

For others it's one big smile

For others it’s one big smile

And a hat full of feathers

And a head full of feathers!

Costume malfunction?

Costume malfunction?

There’s a delightful whimsicality to it all, but what really stands out for me is the pure artistry of the paper flowers.  Just look at these!

IMG_7187

Nobody is left out, from the largest to the smallest.  The oversized sunshine men reach down to the crowd, then touch foreheads together in a slow smooch.  A stern looking lady, with a splendid costume, ‘high fives’ youngsters at the roadside, between shimmies.  The littlest ones can bounce along on the back of a caterpillar or a panda. Everyone is intended to have the time of their lives, and if they don’t, they’re really not trying!

"Dance with me"

“Dance with me”

"High five!"

“High five!”

The skirt!

The skirt!

Nobody is left out!

“Bounce with me!”

Where's Mum gone?

“Where’s Mum gone?”

And the spectators are part of the show

And the spectators are part of the show

Isn’t he adorable?  The littlest Yoda!  Me and Michael were at one point on opposite sides of the parade.  A brief cloud burst had crowds and performers alike scattering for cover, and when they resumed we were grinning across at each other. He took this wonderful shot.  Mine was ‘side on’ to the little fellow and not nearly so good.

I have so many photos and I feel quite guilty leaving anyone out.  But I shall end with the ‘dancing girls’.  If anyone can shimmy, it’s them!

It goes like this!

It goes like this!

Let me see you shimmy!
Delighted to be here!
Bare and beautiful

What more can I say?  If you’re ever in the Algarve at Carnaval time, you’re in for a treat.  I’m off to practise my shimmy, in celebration of my 500th post.

112 comments

  1. 500 posts is quite an achievement Jo and they keep on getting better and better! Wonderful photography here and you have shown us a great sample of the creativity that goes into this carnival – not to mention the hard work! I’m not seeing blue sky though – was it warm enough for those scantily clad ladies?

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    1. Thanks, Jude 🙂 I guess practise helps??? I was thinking they’re getting a little predictable and boring and it’s time to break the mould? It was overcast but not cold that particular day (it varied between 10 and 20C over the fortnight) but I would have needed more than just my pinny 🙂

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  4. Congratulations on your 500th blog. Wishing you thousands more to come.

    Very nice pictures. The little ones on the caterpillar and the one dressed as a shepherd (?) drew my eye the most. It is good that the tradition is being passed on to children in schools Nothing beats tradition, I think.

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    1. Thank you! 🙂 On our way to meet up with some walkers last Friday morning we passed a school and the noise from the excited kids was amazing. They do know how to have a good time, but simply- without spending a lot of money.

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  5. What a feast for the senses this parade is Jo, those paper flowers are incredible. I had to laugh at the donkey and as for the ‘malfunction’ lady, all I’ll say is that is just how I felt when I had all my recent laptop issues. In fact, I think that may have been me in the flesh, haha 😀 So much fun, love it 🙂

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      1. I don’t want to make up stories. lol I tried to find when I started following you. WordPress makes that soooo difficult. I tried to find when you were following me. Couldn’t find that either. lol
        I wish I could delete all those lovely followers who aren’t following. 😦
        So just wasted my time. 😦 But your blog is never a waste of time. 🙂

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      2. I know exactly what you mean! I keep saying to my husband I’m going to run away and start all over again, and just tell those folks who talk to me. 🙂 Thanks for making the effort.

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    1. I hope you don’t frequent Newcastle on a Thursday night without the missus, Robin? 🙂 🙂 Something for everyone! I was fine in my nice warm coat and Mick enjoyed seeing a little bit of exposure.

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    1. So much time and energy goes into it, Colline! I hadn’t realised we would be there to see the start of Carnival when I booked flights so it was a huge treat. Many thanks for the share. 🙂

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  16. Costumes are so much fun, !and you’re bringing the carnival joy home! I used to live in Cologne, where it is almost impossible to be in the streets without a costume during the “wild days”… and I’m suffering from withdrawal. Badly. 😉 So: Alaaf! (It’s the shout they use there.)

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    1. Sorry to make you ‘homesick’, Tobias, but I really had to share 🙂 It’s only the second time in 10 years of going there that we’ve timed it right for Loule and it really was fun.

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  20. carnevale: colori, allegria, risate….ben venga questo spensierato periodo dell’anno…che tanto le brutte notizie ci pensa la Tv a farcele arrivare
    buongiorno mia cara a te e alla tua bella e adorata Algarve
    🙂

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