Lantz, Navarre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lantz
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Houses in the village of Lantz
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Map of Navarre, Spain
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Lantz is a small, traditional village located in the Navarre region of northern Spain. It is famous for keeping alive a very old and unique tradition: its rural carnival. This special celebration brings the whole community together every year.
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Discovering Lantz Village
Lantz is nestled in the beautiful Pyrenees mountains. It is part of the Ultzama Valley, known for its green landscapes and quiet rural life. The village is small, with a population of only about 100 people. Despite its size, Lantz is well-known throughout Spain for its vibrant carnival.
Where is Lantz Located?
Lantz is in the northern part of Navarre, a region in Spain that borders France. Navarre has a rich history and culture, with its own unique traditions and language. Lantz is a perfect example of a village that preserves these old ways.
The Unique Carnival of Lantz
The Carnival of Lantz is not like other carnivals you might know. It is a very old tradition that takes place on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. This carnival is a symbolic event where the villagers act out a story of good versus evil.
Main Characters of the Carnival
The carnival features several interesting characters, each with a special role. They help tell the story of the carnival.
Miel Otxin: The Giant of Lantz
The most important character is Miel Otxin. He is a huge, straw-filled doll, about three meters tall. Miel Otxin represents evil and bad spirits. He is paraded through the village streets, often with music and dancing. On the last day of the carnival, Miel Otxin is burned in the village square. This burning symbolizes getting rid of all the bad things from the past year.
Ziripot and Zaldiko: The Chase
Ziripot is another key character. He is a very large, clumsy person stuffed with straw and ferns. He can barely move! Zaldiko is a horse-like figure who tries to knock Ziripot down. Zaldiko wears a horse's head and a blanket. This chase between Ziripot and Zaldiko is a fun and exciting part of the carnival. It shows the struggle between different forces.
Arotzak and Txatxoak: The Helpers
The Arotzak are blacksmiths. They carry hammers and tongs and pretend to shoe Zaldiko. They represent order and control. The Txatxoak are villagers dressed in colorful clothes, often with painted faces or masks. They carry sticks and make a lot of noise. They dance around the characters, protecting Ziripot and teasing Zaldiko. They add to the lively atmosphere of the carnival.
Music and Dance in the Celebration
Music is a big part of the Lantz carnival. The txistu (a type of flute) and tamboril (a small drum) are played throughout the festivities. The traditional music guides the dances and the parade. Villagers and visitors join in the dancing, making the celebration even more joyful.
Images for kids
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Streetview in Lantz, Navarre, Spain
