The big carnival celebrations taking place in Ibiza which mark the beginning of the 40 days of Lent and are known as Mardi Gras in other parts of the world start this week. Starting on Thursday 3rd February there's a big fancy dress competition in the Vara de Rey and food will be provided in the form of a massive omelette for 500 people.
The next big event is the Carnival procession itself on the Sunday at around 12ish, when thousands of people parade round the streets on foot and on floats with music, singing, dancing, fancy dress and a paella for 1000 at the end. The final event is the traditional 'burying of the sardine' on Wednesday the 9th in the Vara de Rey again. There'll be similar parades and parties on a smaller scale in all the towns and villages too.
