The 40 days of Lent begin with Ash Wednesday, the prelude to Holy Week.
Burial of the Sardine, the endpoint to Benidorm Carnival
Benidorm Carnival said goodbye last night and until next year with the traditional Burial of the Sardine that, as tradition dictates, is organized by the Associació de Penyes 'Verge del Sofratge'.
Shortly before 9:00 p.m., supporters gathered at the gates of La Casa del Fester to transfer the large sardine representative of this day in a playful procession to Plaza Mayor.
There, the joyful crying of mourners, accompanied by the rhythm of a lively band of music and after 9:30 p.m., began the parade that toured the streets of Tomás Ortuño, Limones, Ruzafa and Paseo de la Carretera until Elche Park, final destination.
Participating in the funeral procession was the Councilor for Fiestas, Jesús Carrobles, flanked by other members of the Municipal Corporation; the presidents of the Associació de Penyes and the Commission of Festes Majors Patronals 2022, Adrian Romero and José Vicente Fuster; also the Queen of the Patron Major Local Festivities, Aila Merenciano, accompanied by her court of honour; and, of course, hundreds of members of the Clubs, neighbours and tourists.
When Tuesday gave way to Ash Wednesday and the mandatory 40 days of Lent, the fire on the sand of Poniente Beach put an end to Benidorm Carnival, Don Carnal says goodbye until next year. In the distance, you can already hear the footsteps of Holy Week.