Germany and Argentina, united by Carnival

When it comes to celebrating and having a good time, there are no borders or geographical regions. We tell you how a carnival is celebrated in Germany and Argentina.

The celebrations know no nationalities or geographical boundaries. During the month of February, the carnival celebrations take place, which acquires different characteristics according to each country.

According to some historians, its origin is related to the pagan festivals held in honor of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine. However, some researchers consider that this ritual was born in ancient Egypt.

What is known is that the carnival spread throughout Europe thanks to the Roman Empire and was brought to America by the Spanish and Portuguese colonizers at the end of the 15th century. As a result of the military and cultural conquest, we can now enjoy this festival in different parts of the world. Among them, in Germany and Argentina.

Rose Monday, the best moment of the German carnival

Although strictly speaking the carnival season in Germany begins at 11:11 am on November 11, the climate of celebration and joy takes place during the month of February, specifically on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday.

On this day, the Women’s Carnival is celebrated and, as its name indicates, the ladies go out into the streets in disguise and look for men to approach them and cut their ties. All the gentlemen who agree to their request will be rewarded with a kiss. In addition to prizes and affection, on this date, there are parties with music and alcohol in different spaces.

Three days later the highlight of the German celebration takes place: Rose Monday. During Rose Monday the streets are filled with parades of floats that are often mocked or allegorical of local personalities, dancers, bands, and jesters who distribute sweets and tulips to the public.

The day is a festival of song, dance, and laughter that is lived with great joy by all the German people. Although it is not a holiday, during Rose Monday there are no classes and many companies offer their employees the day off so that they can enjoy themselves with their friends and family, without worries or responsibilities.

Dance, music, and wine, the 3 pillars of the Argentine carnival

If we had to define Argentina with one word, the term “diversity” would probably be the most appropriate one. This country is a mosaic of traditions and customs that, together, make up a rich and complex culture.

This quality is evident in the carnival celebrations since each region of the country celebrates differently. In the northwest of Argentina, one of the liveliest celebrations takes place, which includes tamales, chicha, talcum powder, and coplas.

Humahuaca’s carnival, in Jujuy, begins in January, but its highest point is during the first week of March, when the doll symbolizing the devil of joy is unearthed, causing different groups to take to the streets to the rhythm of the carnival.

In the coastal region of Argentina, especially in Gualeguaychú, province of Entre Ríos, the celebrations have a format similar to the parades in Rio de Janeiro and include dancers, batucadas, and floats.

But when it comes to complete enjoyment for all the senses, nothing equals Malbec Carnival, a form of celebration that emerged in the last year. It is a cocktail-style evening that seeks to merge the joy that characterizes this time of year with the pleasure of tasting the best bottles in the area, in anticipation of the grape harvest celebrations.

This year, do you want to celebrate differently? Combine the best of both countries. Give a touch of Argentina to Rose Monday and taste an exquisite malbec rose while enjoying the rhythm of the music.

Content originally produced by Sabio Marketing for Vinscent