Lorenzo Caprile is a whole box of surprises. This Saturday, during his proclamation at the Carnival in the Plaza de Matadero in Madrid, he appeared dressed as the Duchess of Alba. Specifically, she has recreated the famous portrait of María del Pilar Teresa Cayetana de Silva Álvarez de Toledo, 13th Duchess of Alba. According to Caprile, a “very Madrid symbol.”
As soon as he was clear about his costume, the designer asked permission from the current Duke of Alba, Carlos Fitz-James Stuart, to which he gave him the green light and “he burst out laughing.”
Once the proclamation was over, Caprile admitted that “as a Madrid native”, giving the proclamation is something “very exciting” and “fun.” He always knew that he wanted to dress up, but not what: “It had to be something very Madrid and, of course, I had already dressed up as a bear and I didn’t want to repeat it,” he told the press.
During his speech he was accompanied by the delegate of Culture, Tourism and Sports, Marta Rivera de la Cruz, and Caprile encouraged “Madridians to enjoy Don Carnal before the arrival of Doña Cuaresma”, making reference to the Book of Good Love from the Archpriest of Hita.
Don Carnal symbolizes fun and enjoying pleasures before experiencing abstinence, represented by Doña Cuaresma. It is an obvious call to Carpe Diem, to good food and wine and to party while you can.
The Carnival in the Spanish capital will last until February 14, Ash Wednesday, which coincides with Valentine’s Day.
