Cádiz Carnival
February 27 to March 9
Streets
And it's no surprise since it is said that when the carnival arrives, all problems are gone. During these days the approximately 125.000 inhabitants of Cádiz receive half a million visitors from Spain and other countries, making it one of the most important carnivals of Spain.
During the official 11 days of carnival one can see different musical groups throughout the city, all of which are classed in different categories depending on the type of songs they sing, the costumes they wear and the style of their performances. From these interpreters one of the most popular are the so-called chirigotas, costumed performers who sing humorous songs to entertain people in the streets.
The chirigotas and other music styles participate during the prestigious 'Official Contest' at the Falla Grand Theater (Gran Teatro Falla), a major event and broadcast on both local radio and television.
The Cádiz Carnival begins in 2014 on February 27 and spans until March 9.
Saint Valentine's Day
February 14
Between couples
He is said to have signed a love note shortly before his death with "your Valentine", thus starting the long-held tradition. He was killed by the Romans for not converting into paganism and is believed to have been buried on February 14. The tradition of giving gifts was later popularized in the UK as a way to express one's sincere love for someone.
The first reference known to our days of Saint Valentine's Day linked to romantic love dates back to 1382 in the poem Parlement of Foules by Geoffrey Chaucer, a poem written to announce the wedding of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia.
In modern times, the expression "Your Valentine" is used as a synonym for "Your Love/Heart" and is widely used to remind the beloved person of one's faithful love for them.
Runeberg's birthday tradition
February 5
Homes and bakeries
Interestingly, his legacy does not stop in the countless works he produced during his life but goes well beyond the realm of literature. And this is because, according to legend, Runeberg was very fond of a type of pastry very popular in modern Finland, the Runeberg's torte (Finnish: Runebergintorttu).
It is said that Runeberg enjoyed the torte every day for breakfast along with a cup of punsch (traditional Swedish liquor). The torte is a pastry flavored with almonds and a strong liquor such as rum or arrack. In addition Runeberg's torte usually displays a sugar ring on top with a heart of raspberry jam. In modern Finland, Runeberg's torte is typically found from early January to Runeberg's birthday anniversary on February 5, a day when the torte is especially baked and enjoyed by many Finns.
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February 14: Saint Valentine's Day
February 5: Runeberg's birthday tradition
Background: Cádiz Turismo