Carnival

Sorry, things got a bit out of order. This was supposed to be the first entry about carnival in Aguilas which explains the "Musona". The next day are the pictures in the wig, the last day was the parade. Then there was a picture of the parade here in Vera with my students.

Carnival is ushered in by the “Releasing of the Musona”. A mythical and terrifying beast that is half human, half animal, half civilized and half wild, representing the duality within all of us. Although its form varies from year to year, it is often related to that of a bear which comes out of hypernation about the same time of year. The musona must be coaxed down from the castle to the town below through the chants of “musona-na, musona-na” and the bellows of conch shells. Those who take part in the theatrical coaxing, dress in pegan-like costumes adorned with shells, straw, and bones giving the event an eeri, ancient feel.