All about merry-go-rounds: discover the history, evolution and secrets behind these much-beloved attractions

Can those of you who have never ridden a merry-go-round please raise their hand? Thought not! These classic attractions, which play charming music and typically feature little horses that rise up and down as the structure rotates around its axis, have been delighting children and adults in fairgrounds for centuries. This post will explain the origins and history of merry-go-rounds, why they’re known as tiovivos in Spain and how they work—as well as where you can find them in PortAventura World.

What are merry-go-rounds and why are they referred to as tiovivos in Spain?

A merry-go-round is a rotating circular platform decorated with multiple figures, which are traditionally horses. While these figures can be stationary, some rise up and down throughout the duration of the ride. Passengers ride these figures as the merry-go-round spins around to the tune of carousel music, which is typically played by a barrel organ.

The Spanish word for merry-go-round is tiovivo, which could be translated as “alive uncle”. You might think that this is a ridiculous name, but it all makes sense when you discover the history behind it! The most popular theory about the origin of this term concerns the legendary Uncle (tío) Esteban, a Madrid trader who ran a merry-go-round in a Madrid park in 1834. During a severe epidemic affecting the Spanish capital, Uncle Esteban’s neighbours assumed that he had died after he failed to appear at his much-loved attraction for an extended period. The surprise came when, one day, they found Uncle Esteban back in his usual spot. Shocked, those who saw him are believed to have exclaimed “The uncle is alive!” in sheer delight. Over the years, the term tiovivo came to be used to refer to any kind of fairground merry-go-round in Spain.

The origin of merry-go-rounds

Throughout history, merry-go-rounds have had many different iterations—there is no single origin! Each of these iterations played a key role in shaping the ride we know and love today.

• Medieval roots: it is widely believed that the knights of the Middle Ages practiced their horse-riding skills using a structure resembling a merry-go-round.
• Contemporary merry-go-rounds: these structures gradually developed over time, first being used for recreational purposes in the 18^th Animals (and occasionally people) were initially used to make the ride spin around, although steam engines were incorporated for this purpose some years later.
• Consolidation: merry-go-rounds reached peak popularity in the 19^th century, becoming a staple of fairgrounds and amusement parks.

Did you know that Spain’s first merry-go-round was installed in Vitoria-Gasteiz in 1812?

How do merry-go-rounds work?

Although merry-go-rounds might look like fairly simple structures, their operation isn’t as straightforward as it seems! Merry-go-rounds have many different parts, and these need to work in unison for the ride to spin around. It’s like a mechanical choreography that needs to work perfectly, every single time!

Parts and mechanisms

The main parts of a merry-go-round are:

• Rotating platform: a solid steel or wooden disc carrying the figures (and passengers) that rotates smoothly on floor bearings.
• Central axis: a column connected to the internal motor that makes the whole structure spin around.
• Radial arms: beams extending from the central axis that hold the figures (typically horses) in place.
• Crank-and-rod mechanism: a gearing system that harnesses the platform’s rotational energy to move the figures up and down.
• Motor: once steam-powered, now electric. The energy emitted by the motor causes the ride to rotate.
• Sound system: speakers that play typical carousel music.

PortAventura World’s merry-go-rounds or carousels

PortAventura World offers the full package, ranging from the world’s tallest and fastest roller coasters to merry-go-rounds that are every bit as charming as they are iconic.

The merry-go-round in SésamoAventura

This merry-go-round perfectly reflects the evolution of this iconic fairground attraction. SésamoAventura’s Waikiki is categorised as a children’s ride, making it a fantastic option for young PortAventurers. Its operation is simple: the platform spins around while the seats rise and fall, leaving young visitors with the sensation that they can reach up and touch the sky!

The merry-go-round in Far West

A more traditional option is Carousel, located on the main street of Far West. Its classic aesthetic, featuring vintage horses and railings, transports all who lay their eyes upon it back to the travelling fairs of the mid-19th century. As country music plays in the background, children rise up and down on the horses that trot around its central axis. It’s the perfect spot for a family photo!

How have merry-go-rounds managed to remain popular over time?

Merry-go-rounds remain deeply cherished for many reasons. Here are three reasons explaining their continued popularity over the centuries:

• Absolute control: merry-go-rounds combine a mild sense of adrenaline with total safety.
• Family-friendly: babies, children, parents and grandparents can all enjoy merry-go-rounds together.
• Nostalgia: the warm lights, mirrors and music evoke memories of childhood and the village fairs of yesteryear.

FAQs on merry-go-rounds

Where is the world’s oldest merry-go-round?

The world’s longest-operating merry-go-round, which has been used for recreational purposes since 1892, is located in Prague’s Letná Park. While older merry-go-rounds exist, this one has remained operational for the longest period of time.

Which materials were used to make the first merry-go-rounds?

The first merry-go-rounds were primarily made of wood. Their horses were carved from limewood, white pine or fir, as these materials are light and easy to sculpt. The ride’s structure was made of iron, and the platform was made of solid planks.

How big are merry-go-rounds and how much do they weigh?

A standard carousel measures between 11 and 14 metres in diameter. Small ones can weigh as little as 200 kg, while large ones can weigh as much as 16,000 kg.

How many people fit onto a typical merry-go-round?

Well, this depends on how many figures it has and the weight-bearing capacity of each one. As a general rule of thumb, most merry-go-rounds can carry 40-70 passengers.

Other than merry-go-rounds, does PortAventura World have other classic rides?

Of course! In addition to Carousel, PortAventura World is also home to the spinning Tea Cups, Cobra Imperial, the Kontiki flying ship and the Buffalo Rodeo bumper cars, among others. You can discover all of them at our theme park!

After reading this article on merry-go-rounds, we hope that you’re more excited than ever to ride one and appreciate their design, operation and music. During your next visit to PortAventura World, be sure to swing by Carousel or Waikiki!