If you ever fancied the sights and sounds of carnival in full-swing, go no further than Barcelona in March, when its residents will take to the streets in force to indulge in some of the more gluttonous aspects of traditional celebration. Visitors to Barcelona between February 23rd to March 1st will be dazzled by masked balls, processions of decorated floats, costume parades, and feasting.

With Lent and its associated code of temperance and restraint looming on the horizon, Barcelonans will kick off the carnival with a tortilla competition on Jueves Ladero - Fatty Thursday, judged on taste, filling and presentation. Revellers descend on Barcelona's market places and streets to watch as the local carnival guilds and commercial establishments compete for the much acclaimed pimiento de oro - golden pepper. The winners are not just judged on their lavish costumes, but on their ability to drive the huge crowds into a frenzy of celebration.

Saturday afternoon sees the celebrations come to a climax with the Gran Rua de Carnival, a colossal parade of adorned carriages and carnival groups amid a snowfall of confetti. But on Wednesday the celebrations come to an end. The passing is marked by a suitably somber funeral for the king of carnival. The funeral cortege of his widows and entourage, all dressed in black, mourn his passing until another year.

Bars, restaurants and clubs all go to great lengths in order to ensure that a good time can be had by all in their establishments during carnival, but wherever you intend to party, provided you bring your costume and a smile, you will.

Car Hire 3000 now offer car hire in Spain from more locations than ever before, including, car hire Malaga, car hire Alicante car hire Murcia and car hire Almeria As well as hudreds of other locations right across Spain!