Disguise Indívil and Mandoni
Every year we start the carnival party by dressing up the guardians of the city of Lleida with this year's costume from the Pau-Pí Brotherhood.
Participants
100+
Every year, to officially welcome the Carnival of Lleida, the Germandat d'en Pau-Pí organizes one of the city's most beloved and participatory traditions: the costume of Indívil and Mandoni, the former Ilerget chieftains who have guarded the entrance to the Pont Vell in Lleida since 1882.
This activity, which marks the festive beginning of the carnival, consists of dressing the two emblematic sculptures in the official costume of the Germandat of the current year. The members of the Germandat participate in this symbolic act that unites history, popular culture and celebration, turning the Pont Vell into the epicenter of a celebration that brings together residents, families and visitors from all over the region.
The story:
The statues of Indívil and Mandoni, located on the sides of the Pont Vell, represent the two Ilerget chieftains who defended these lands against the Romans. Dressing them in carnival costumes is an act of respect and recognition of the Lleida identity, while symbolizing the joyful and transgressive spirit of carnival.
For decades, this tradition has evolved into a collective ritual where members of the Brotherhood, collaborators and citizens of Lleida put thread to the needle to adorn the stone guardians with fabrics, colors and creativity.