The new sovereign, Her Majesty Victòria Festarica Massaxal·lar, assumes the throne as a Dionysian queen, born to break rules and command the kingdom of pleasure. The motto "Regnar i devorar!" (Reign and Devour!) seeks to champion excess, desire, and freedom as a form of collective revolt during the five days of revelry.
The festivities will kick off on Fat Thursday (Dijous Gras) with the traditional 'old glories' dinner at the Espai MerCAT. Friday, February 13, will be Children's Day, featuring the large-format show La festa dels Poca-soltes! in the Plaça de l’Hort del Barceloní, gathering 2,200 students, with la Toltes and el Grizz as the main characters.
To govern means to dance and get lost in the party until the body gives up.
The climax will be on Saturday afternoon with the coronation of Her Majesty the Queen Carnestoltes and the start of the grand parade of comparsas. Last year, more than 1,500 people participated across 70 groups. In the evening, the Espai MerCAT will host the Carnival dinner and the contest Tu sí que devores.
As a novelty, the official metal mug with the slogan "Xocolata a l’orinal" (Chocolate in the chamber pot) will go on sale on Friday, paying homage to an old local tradition. Furthermore, local businesses will participate in ComerçToltes, a window display and costume contest that rewards the festive spirit.
