Travel bucket list idea:
Cadiz Carnival
Cadiz, Andalusia, Spain
Credit Shutterstock.com/doleesi
Last updated: 12 March, 2024
Cadiz is famous for Spain’s most rollicking carnival, where the object is to make everyone laugh.
This massive party, with food stalls, rides, free street performances, music and fireworks, culminates in two parades: the fabulous four-hour Gran Cabalgata and the Cabalgata del Humor in the old town, with the craziest costumes and spectator participation.
Groups of Carnival performers (the Chirigotas, Comparsas, Cuartetos and Choirs) practice their new songs all year and compete three weeks in advance at the historic Gran Teatro Falla, to see who evokes the biggest laughs. Bring fancy dress and join in the fun.
Logistics
Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 5+
Frequency: annually
When: 10 days to Lent
Duration: 10 days
Getting there & doing it
Book hotels months in advance; for the pre-carnival competitions (COAC) at the Falla Theatre, tickets for each performance are available online.
Arrive early for a spot on Avenida Ana de Viya for the Gran Cabalgata (it usually starts at 6pm). The Cabalgata del Humor starts at 7pm, passing through Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de las Flores and Plaza San Juan de Dios, where there are fireworks every night. There are seafood and wine stalls everywhere in the old town, and a big tent called La Carpa if you want to party until dawn.
When to do it
Festivities traditionally take place before Lent. Pre-Carnival performances in the Teatro run from April, with the grand finales, televised nationwide 2 & 3 June. The Gran Cabalgata takes place the first Sunday of Carnival; the Cabalgata del Humor takes place on the last weekend.
