Ancient carnival of Spain to ward off evil spirits, awaken the spring

Masked revellers ride a motorbike during carnival celebrations in Ituren, northern Spain on Monday. (Reuters photo)

Updated on: Jan 31, 2017 1:44 PM IST

News

Share via

• 
• 
• 
• 

Copy link

• 

1/17

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 31, 2017 1:44 PM

Masked revellers ride a motorbike during carnival celebrations in Ituren, northern Spain on Monday. (Reuters photo)

2/17

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 31, 2017 1:44 PM

A group of Joaldunaks, called Zanpantzar, pose before the carnival between the Pyrenees villages of Ituren and Zubieta, northern Spain on Monday. Bell carrying dancers known as Joaldunak perform a ritual dance to ward off evil spirits and awaken the coming spring. (AP photo)

3/17

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 31, 2017 1:44 PM

A masked man holding a window walks past a bonfire during the ancient carnival of Ituren, in the northern Spanish Navarra province on Monday. The yearly three day festivities revolve around agriculture and sheep herding. (AFP photo)

4/17

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 31, 2017 1:44 PM

A group of young Joaldunaks rest during the carnival between the Pyrenees villages of Ituren and Zubieta, northern Spain. (AP photo)

5/17

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 31, 2017 1:44 PM

A Joaldun dances with a woman during carnival celebrations in Ituren. (Reuters photo)

6/17

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 31, 2017 1:44 PM

A masked reveller looks out from a car during carnival celebrations in Ituren. (REUTERS PHOTO)

7/17

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 31, 2017 1:44 PM

In one of the most ancient carnivals in Europe, dating from before the Roman empire, companies of Joaldunak (cowbells) made up of residents of two towns, Ituren and Zubieta, parade the streets costumed in sandals, lace petticoats, sheepskins, coloured neckerchiefs, conical caps with ribbons and a hyssop of horsehair in their right hands and cowbells hung across their lower back. (AP PHOTO)

8/17

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 31, 2017 1:44 PM

Masked revellers during celebrations in Ituren. (Reuters photo)

9/17

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 31, 2017 1:44 PM

A masked reveller carries a chainless chainsaw during carnival celebrations in Ituren. (Reuters photo)

10/17

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 31, 2017 1:44 PM

A group of Joaldunaks rest between the celebrations. (AP photo)

11/17

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 31, 2017 1:44 PM

Masked revellers perform a mock bullfight in Ituren. (Reuters photo)

12/17

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 31, 2017 1:44 PM

A group of Joaldunaks take part in the carnival. (AP photo)

13/17

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 31, 2017 1:44 PM

A masked reveller holds a flare during celebrations in Ituren. (Reuters photo)

14/17

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 31, 2017 1:44 PM

A man holds up a cowbell before taking part in the carnival between the Pyrenees villages of Ituren and Zubieta, northern Spain. (AP photo)

15/17

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 31, 2017 1:44 PM

A masked reveller holds a flare during carnival celebrations in Ituren. (Reuters photo)

16/17

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 31, 2017 1:44 PM

A masked reveller dressed as a bear performs alongside dancers. (Reuters photo)

17/17

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 31, 2017 1:44 PM

A group of female Joaldunaks pose for a photographer. (AP photo)