Carnival is a festival with a lot of personality that forms part of the celebrations leading up to Lent in the Aran Valley.
In Aranese, Carnival is called Magràs, although it is also known as Barbacàs in Canejan and Titassi in Les. Each town has its own rituals and characters, keeping alive traditions of ancestral origin.
Magràs has clear pagan origins and is characterised by allowing, for a few days, transgression, mockery, humour and ‘controlled madness’ before the period of reflection of Lent. For a few days, it is permissible to break social norms. Traditionally, it is a time of celebration when the community takes to the streets to celebrate with music, parades, dances and costumes, and where satire and a festive atmosphere take centre stage.
In many villages in the valley, parades, community dinners and costume dances are organised, keeping alive a tradition that combines ancient elements with modern celebrations, making Aranese Carnival a very special cultural experience.
Prominent local traditions in the Aran Valley
Barbacàs in Canejan
Barbacàs in Canejan is one of the valley’s most unique traditions. Revived in 2004, this festival involves the young people of the village taking to the streets dressed as Barbacans, characters covered in animal skins and horns with calves tied to their waists, carrying torches to scare away evil spirits.
After the parade, the Magràs, a straw doll, is burned in a large bonfire in the centre of the village, as a symbol of purification and the end of Carnival.
Titassi in Les
In the village of Les, Carnival is called Titassi and traditionally begins on Candlemas Day. In the past, young people would enter houses, take food from the pantry and make a dinner with what they collected. By the end of the festivities, they had managed to raid all the houses in the village without being recognised, as their faces were covered.
Nowadays, a community dinner and a fancy dress ball are held for the whole village.
Carnival in the schools of the Aran Valley
Carnival is also celebrated in the schools of the Aran Valley. During Magràs, children dress up in costumes, sing traditional songs in Aranese and take part in cultural activities related to local traditions.
These school celebrations play a key role in passing on the Aranese language and cultural heritage to new generations.
What happens in Baqueira Beret during Carnival?
Carnival in Baqueira-Beret is adapted to the mountain environment and skiing, combining tradition and fun. During these days, it is common to see:
- Skiers in fancy dress
- Themed ski runs
- Photo competitions
- Music, DJs and entertainment at the resort
In previous years, photo competitions have been organised in which participants must take a photo of themselves in costume somewhere in the resort. The resort publishes its events guide and competition rules on its official website and social media @baqueira_beret
Accommodation for Carnival in Baqueira
If you are looking for accommodation to spend Carnival in a hotel at the foot of the slopes in Baqueira, we recommend the Hotel Tuc Blanc. Book directly on our website and enjoy the best rates to experience Carnival in the mountains. Experience the most authentic Carnival in the Pyrenees!
