The carnival has religious origins as a celebration in the days before Lent. Major carnivals in Spain are held in Tenerife, Cádiz, and Badajoz. The carnival in Badajoz is one of the best things in the village and is colorful, beautiful, and funny. People dress up and go out in groups or alone. Groups called "comparsas" participate and there are also ordinary people singing, dancing, and drinking in the streets. The "murgas" competition is unique to the event. Saturday is the most important day for young people as there are big festivals with costumes and music in the streets and discos. The last day features the "sardine's funeral