Features

Spain - Zaragoza - an 11th night treat

by Mike Levy

Zaragoza that capital of Aragon is an utterly Spanish city of elegant squares, wonderful cafes and a truly gargantuan cathedral (the site of a great miracle, it is said). On the 5th of January it does something rather special - it's carnival time: the arrival of the Three Wise Men who ride through the city distributing sweets and presents to the crowds.
Local celebrities play the three principle characters, while elaborately
decorated floats and people in costume make up a long procession. If you are there make your way to the Plaza del Pilar for the creation of a giant cake which is fed to all and sundry at lunchtime - a mammoth community baking event.

If 11th Night is usually a miserable one - it certainly is in England - then Zaragoza is the place to be, especially for kids; there are child-friendly shows across the city all day long. That's followed by much late-night guzzling of wine, beer and seriously strong coffee. Zaragoza, yes a bit of a Cinderella, is the life and soul of the ball, up to and beyond midnight.