The Cadiz Carnaval, like most decadent celebrations, was officially banned under Franco's dictatorship from 1937. While most Spanish towns and cities followed the decree, the Gaditanos, being famously independently-minded, continued with their annual celebration.
The vote for the poster for Carnival 2025 in Cadiz has been mired in controversy. One of the entries was disqualified for using artificial intelligence, and the vote was postponed after the discovery of possible plagiarism in another poster. This turned out not to be the case, so three of the four finalists went through to the final stage, where a public vote would determine the winner, who would receive a prize of 6,000 euros.
As one of Spain's major ports during the 16th century, Cadiz copied the carnival of Venice, a city with which it had much trade, and since then it has become the liveliest and most dazzling carnival town in mainland Spain, famous for its amusing and creative characters and satirical song groups.
Fourth edition of this music festival, which covers all genres from rap, pop and rock, to electronica, folk and classical. Its setting is the spectacular Plaza de España in Maria Luisa park, with the artists performing in front of the illuminated building.
Third edition of this music festival, which covers all genres from rap, pop and rock, to electronica, folk and classical. Its setting is the spectacular Plaza de España in Maria Luisa park, with the artists performing in front of the illuminated building.
This is the fifth edition of this music festival in Seville, which covers all genres from pop, rock, and electronica to jazz and funk in the spectacular Plaza de España in Maria Luisa park, with the artists performing in front of the illuminated building.
Like most festivities in Spain, Carnaval has religious origins, in terms of its timing and character at least. Celebrated in the week before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, it was an opportunity to indulge all urges before the abstinence of the Cuaresma (40-day period) started.
Carnival is the biggest event in Cadiz's calendar, and the most important of its type on mainland Spain, just as the Feria is for Seville. People flood in from all over Spain, and beyond, to enjoy the noisy, colourful, festive atmosphere, singing competitions, concerts (rock, flamenco, samba), comedy, children's shows, parades, firework displays and street parties. Carnaval is also celebrated in towns and cities around Andalucia.
The singing competition (COAC, Concurso Official de Agrupaciones Carnavalescas) is the central event of the pre-Carnaval, with four types of groups taking part - chirigotas, choros, cuartetos and comparsas. About 300 groups in total enter the contest.
There are several types of singing groups and songs at the Carnaval. They perform both at the theatre in the official competition, and also on the street. All wear fancy dress.
Obviously, the programme varies from year to year, but you can take this as a rough guide to what happens on which day of the Carnaval. Check local press and websites for up-to-date information.
As one of Spain's major ports during the 16th century, Cadiz copied the carnival of Venice, a city with which it had much trade, and since then it has become the liveliest and most dazzling carnival town in mainland Spain, famous for its amusing and creative characters and satirical song groups.
The city of Seville is known to dedicate February to carnival celebrations with all the usual song and dance performances. A well known savings bank always brings in the top performing Carnival singing group from the Cádiz festival for a special performance. There is also a children's carnival that can be scheduled on the weekends for up to a whole month.
The Huelva carnival is one of the biggest in Andalucia and is known as the Columbian Carnival, in honour of Christopher Columbus, who sailed from Huelva to discover the New World. The Huelva carnival closed down during Franco's prohibition and it took a few years to start it up again, even after democracy overtook the country. It was not, therefore, until 1983 that this carnival re-started after a long sleep.
The city of Córdoba has a recipe all its own when it comes to the carnival. Whereas it is common to elect a King and Queen of the carnival, in Córdoba history is honoured with the selection of a Sultan and a Sultana. If you are a fan of carnival celebrations, this is definitely one corner of Andalucia worth exploring this time of year.
The Granada Carnival, along with those of the provincial towns, are among the least publicised, but they do take place. The festival usually lasts about a week in the provincial capital and starts well after Shrove Tuesday. It includes the usual singing contests that are held in theatres and other venues. There is also plenty of activity in the streets of Granada (a city that is famous for its "tapa" appetisers that accompany drinks at no extra charge), including a parade.
From 1937 to 1977, the people of Málaga kept their costumes packed away and refrained from meeting to practice and enjoy the old carnival tunes together - much less organise any traditional parades or other celebrations. This was due to the prohibition issued by Franco and strictly enforced in this area.
Spain is a country with a well known Catholic tradition. The carnival is, therefore, celebrated before the 40 days of Lent as a way to let loose before the prohibitions of the upcoming religious holidays. Most Andalucian towns stage a parade, and a dance and a "Carnival Queen" and other singing contests.
