Definitions of Carousel


Before getting to know the meaning of the term carousel, we are going to proceed to discover its etymological origin. In this case, it must be stated that it is a word that derives from the French “carrousel”, which in turn comes from the Italian “carosela”. However, it should not be overlooked that the latter also derives from Arabic, specifically from “kurradj” which can be translated as “horse game for children”.

It is called carousel to the entertainment which has a rotating structure with seats that are often shaped like animals or vehicles. It is a children’s game that is very popular at fairs and parks.

According to DigoPaul, seats carousel (also called carrousel or roundabout) often move downward and upward while the platform rotates. In this way, if a child is sitting in a horse- shaped seat, they will feel that they are riding.

Carousels generally have musicalization: as they turn, a melody is repeated over and over again to accompany the ride. In some regions it is common for children, while on the carousel, to be challenged to catch an object known as a ring that, if picked up, allows access to another lap in the entertainment at no charge.

The carousel is believed to have arisen among the Crusaders as a training method. Riders practiced attacking dolls or trying to hit targets while a structure mobilized by horses or men turned.

Over time the carousels became a means of entertainment, first in the gardens of the royal houses and then at fairs. At the beginning of the 19th century, the carousel was already popular in several European countries.

“Carrusel”, on the other hand, is the title of a famous Mexican soap opera, inspired by the Argentine series “Señorita maestra”. Issued between 1989 and 1990, it revolves around the experiences of a group of children at their school. “Carousel” had a sequel ( “Carousel of the Americas”) and a Brazilian version ( “Carrossel”).

In the same way, we cannot ignore the existence of an important radio program that exists in Spain and that has the word at hand in its title. We are referring to “Sports Carousel”, which is broadcast on Cadena SER and which has its origin in the 1950’s.

Specifically, in 1952 the first program of that space that is focused on sports was broadcast. It is broadcast on weekends from 3 to 11:30 p.m. and fundamentally revolves around what football is. Hence, it addresses the different days of both the Santander League and the League 1, 2, 3. However, it also usually leaves space to talk about basketball, specifically the Endesa League.

Dani Garrido is the director and presenter of this radio program where there are collaborators such as Kiko Narváez, Michael Robinson, Santiago Cañizares, Rafa Alkorta, Alfredo Relaño, Eduardo Iturralde González, Tomás Roncero and Gustavo López.