The Fringe

February 23, 1996
Web posted at: 3:15 p.m. EST (2015 GMT)

Burying sardines ... only to dig them up again

From Correspondent Al Goodman

MADRID, Spain (CNN) -- There's an unusual funeral in Madrid every year about this time. They're burying a dead sardine in a handmade wooden coffin, complete with funeral veil.

This tradition dates back two centuries in Madrid. But dictator Francisco Franco banned it for many years, along with most other public gatherings. When it was finally allowed again, the ceremony took on new meaning -- freedom.

The funeral procession starts in the oldest section of Madrid, with the ceremony's organizers. But by late afternoon, everyone can join in.

As the procession heads for the burial site, some participants hardly express the grief that one usually sees at a funeral.

Yet everyone agrees that the little dead sardine should be the center of attention. Workers take turns carrying the coffin.

There are various cities around the world which bury a sardine at the end of carnival. But in Madrid, this fishy funeral has taken on a life of its own.

When the procession finally reaches a park in Madrid's west side, the sardine is laid to rest. But only for a short while.

The ritual complete, the fish is removed from the grave -- to be used as a ceremonial sardine again next year. Nothing is wasted in Madrid.

Transcending the gender hurdle

MANILA, Philippines (CNN) -- A Filipino runner is competing in track events as a man ... and a woman.

Eighteen-year-old Nancy Navalta says she is, in her words, "a full woman." But doctors who have examined her say privately that it's quite the opposite.

Navalta is fast enough to qualify for this summer's Olympic Games. But the International Olympic committee, which has the results of official gender tests conducted last year, is yet to give a ruling on Navalta's status to Philippine sports authorities.

So, in the meantime, Navalta is being allowed to run in both categories.

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