Issue date: 12 Feb, 2021
POPULAR CULTURE. Harlequins of Canillo
Carnival in the parish of Canillo features figures known as harlequins, dressed in eccentric multicoloured costumes, who tour the village accompanied by music and throwing confetti.
The origin of this tradition is not known, but thanks to photographs and other documents, it can be traced back at least as far as the early 20th century, when it generally thought that it was brought back by local people returning from working in France.
Originally only the men would dress up in costumes made at home from rags in different colours and shapes sewn onto pyjamas or light-coloured clothing, to which flowers and bells would be added. In the early years the outfit would be accessorised with a wide-brimmed white hat, large bells tied to the ankles, and a whip which they would crack in time to the songs. A mask, made of metallic mesh or simply painted into the face, completed the harlequin costume.
These days a hood is used instead of the hat, make-up instead of the mask, and rather than cracking a whip, they toss confetti and flour.
The harlequins could appear at any moment of the festival, although their main appearance was usually after hanging the carnestoltes or king of the carnival, when they would parade through the streets. Organised into squads, they would go from house to house to “robar l’olla” (steal a cooking pot) and invite everyone to join the parade.
It is now a unique local tradition with a great deal of public participation, where children and young people enjoy running around Canillo on carts. In 2010 it became an official Fiesta of Cultural Interest.
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