Madrid prepares for Carnival

The Spanish city of Madrid is making final preparations for the upcoming carnival.

Held each year around Easter, the carnival is a culmination of fancy dress competitions and local traditions.

Festivities start on February 1st this year with a number of events taking place across the city in the lead up to the finale on Ash Wednesday.

The annual Entierro de La Sardina, or Burial of the Sardine takes place to mark the ancient tradition of burying fat to signal the beginning of Lent, according to Whatsonwhen. A procession - led by members of the Burial of the Sardine Brotherhood - takes place from San Antonio de Florida's Fuente de Parajitos to the middle of the city for the tongue-in-cheek burial.

A jovial atmosphere prevails and streets are packed with well wishers, street artists, burlesque performers and vendors selling the finest in local produce.

This is a surreal event and one that is definitely worth a trip across the channel to experience.