During our snowbird travels in Spain we enjoyed a quirky “burning of the lizard” event, which occurs as a symbolic end to the week long “Carnival” events. The fancy dressed cardboard lizard float is taken in a 2km parade to the beach in Benalmadena where it is burned on the beach by the local firefighters, amid much music, dancing including colorful carnival girls. There is also much music on the nearby stage at the “red Bil-Bil castle” (Castillo de Bil-Bil).
The children really get into it with various fancy costumes with the coastal mermaid theme. It look like a school of fish came from a school. Local band including a big sousaphone was nice to listen to (I played one of them when I was in high school).
If you like men in white tights and historic Spanish dress, the stage had a delight with lovely golden shoes, and other groups of talented singers, which even included their little children.
The Burning
The “burning” was well managed by the fire department (Bomberos), accompanied by local police, civil guard, volunteer police.
Video to play
Videos of several singing groups
Men in white tights
Conclusion
Benalmadena‘s Burning of the Lizard is a delightful blend of historical traditions with pride in Spanish history and music for the whole family. We enjoyed a nice meal at one of the many seaside restaurants on the beach strip.
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