BRIEF HISTORY

The City of cadiz was founded around 1100 BC by the Phoenicians. They called it “Gadir” meaning “enclosure” probably because it is nearly surrounded by water. It was initially founded as a trading port. If you want to visit Cadiz, you can fly to Jerez de la Frontera or Sevilla: ofertas vuelos.

In 500 BC, the Carthaginians conquered the city. This was followed by the Romans, and other conquerors notably the Visigoths and the Moors (Muslims). The rule of the Moors came to an end in 1262 when King Alfonso brought the port under Spanish rule.

Cadiz’ rise as a port reached its peak in the 15th century. This is also where Christopher Columbus set sail on his journey to discover America. During this period, King Felipe ordered the walls surrounding the city to be built. This was after Cadiz suffered attacks from the British led by Sir Francis Drake in 1587.

Cadiz reached its golden era in the 18th century. It was during this time that Cadiz enjoyed a fruitful economic growth mainly because of its monopoly of all trade within Spain and with the Americas. The first Spanish Constitution was signed in 1812 in the Church of San Felipe. Cadiz also stood as the capital of Spain from 1810 to 1813. It was during the 18th and 19th century that most of the monuments and fine examples of Spanish architecture were constructed (hotels Rome)

Today, Cadiz is a bustling hub of activity, one of the busiest ports in Spain.

NEIGHBORHOOD QUARTERS

Cadiz is divided into two distinct sections – the charming Old Town with its narrow alleyways, magnificent plazas and historical sites and the New Town (modern industrial area) where wide boulevards overlook the Atlantic. The Old Town is probably the most beautiful part of the city. Narrow and cobbled streets open onto lovely plazas.

Barrio La Vina, an old Spanish quarter on the western edge of the city centre is a popular area in Cadiz. This is where the famous Cadiz Carnival kicks off. La Playa de la Caleta ( Caleta Beach) is located in this area. Barrio La Vina is also home to some of the great tapas bars and flamenco clubs.

Santa Maria is the oldest barrio (quarter) and the living temple to flamenco in Cadiz. This old gypsy quarter typified by narrow streets, ancient buildings, plazas and churches is the home of flamenco. In Santa Maria, flamenco is held in high esteem.

The El Populo quarter is a vibrant tourist area. It is dotted with cobbled streets, worn-down palaces, historical ruins, watchtowers and old cathedrals. El Populo offers an insight to the culture, art and history of Cadiz City.

CITY HIGHLIGHTS

A stroll along the seaside promenades of Cadiz is a good start-off point to experience the sights of Cadiz. The paseo runs around the Old Town. The most scenic of these promenades is the Parque Genoves. From here, Playa de la Caleta, one of the most popular beaches in Cadiz is just a stone’s throw away. At the northern end of the bay stands Castillo de Santa Catalina built in 1598 and for many decades was the port’s main fort.

Around the Old Town is a collection of plazas connected by narrow streets. Plaza San Juan de Dios is home to the neoclassical Ayuntamiento (town hall). A short distance is the Catedral de Cadiz and Plaza Libertad, home to one of the oldest indoor markets in Spain. Hospital de Mujeres with its Baroque church is in the street at the northern corner. The Torre Tavida is located on the next street. Plaza de Mina is the site of the Museo de Cadiz. Crossing the Puerta Tierra, the gateway to the Old Town, one enters the New Town, an elegant metropolis with stunning beaches. While the Old Town is made up of plazas and alleyways, the New Town has higher buildings and wider avenues. If you are in another place in Andalucia like Sevilla or Malaga and want to visit Cadiz, the easiest way is to rent a car: Car hire Sevilla. If you want to learn something and help other people in your holidays, you can do Volunteer vacation New Zealand.

For the people of Cadiz, flamenco is not just a fiery traditional Spanish song and dance but a way of life. In the city and the rest of the Cadiz province, there is always a flamenco program or competition whenever there are festivities. During summer, the City of Cadiz hosts “Flamenco Thursdays” where flamenco recitals can be seen every Thursday in the art and cultural theatres in the city.

The flamenco’s beginnings go back to the gypsies, Arabs and Jews who lived in the Region of Andalusia especially in the Province of Cadiz. But it was the gypsies who practiced and developed the flamenco. The flamenco dance basically involves the clicking of the toes and heels and graceful movements of the body, arms and hands. The steps may be accompanied by finger-snapping, rhythmic clapping of the hands and some shouting. Flamenco can vary in intensity depending on the depth of emotion of the flamenco singer. The most intense is the “grande” or “hondo” characterised by a deep and tragic tone. The “intermedio” is less serious and the music lighter. The “pequeno” has energetic and lively tones arousing feelings of love and beauty.

Over time, the Spanish people embraced the flamenco. It became a popular form of entertainment for the Spaniards who would gather in patios, restaurants and private clubs to witness the vibrant flamenco presentations by the gypsies. In the early 1900s, the guitar became a recognised musical accompaniment to the flamenco. The end of the 19th century until the beginning of the 20th century was the “Golden Age of the Flamenco” when it underwent new forms of expressions and its popularity spread to foreign lands.

Today, flamenco is still very much alive. It may have changed dramatically but the essence that originally inspired the gypsies to dance and sing is still the same impulse that drives the people of today who continue to participate and learn the flamenco. Aside from the guitar, other musical instruments such as the flutes, cellos, violins are now commonly incorporated into flamenco music. Other styles of music such as bossa nova, jazz and rock have also contributed to and at the same time benefited from flamenco.

Like any vintage art, flamenco has survived the test of time and continues to reflect the rich traditions and culture of Cadiz. For an authentic flamenco performance, Cadiz has numerous venues where you can experience the dynamic flair of the flamenco.

The Carnival is the biggest and most extravagant festival in Cadiz. It takes place at the beginning of Lent usually on a February in the Gregorian calendar. Cadiz is famous for this spectacular pre-Lent fiesta in the whole of Spain. The Carnival in Cadiz is, in fact, the third largest carnival celebration in the world after the boisterous carnivals of Rio de Janeiro and Trinidad, respectively.

The Carnival in Cadiz developed as an excuse for a grand party before the 40-day Lenten fast during which Catholics are expected to refrain from eating meat and enjoying worldly pleasures. It is patterned after the Italian Venice Carnival. As one of Spain’s major ports during the 16th century, Cadiz engaged in heavy trade with Venice. The Gaditanos, as the locals are called, who travelled to Venice during that time copied the style of the Venice Carnival and came up with one of the most popular festivals in Andalusia. Festivities begin the weekend before Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday), the day before Ash Wednesday, and ends the weekend after. Everyone can join in the revelry which includes colourful parades, street parties, satirical performances, flamenco programmes and round-the-clock merriment.

The whole City of Cadiz goes into frenzy mode during the annual Carnival. Reminiscent of the Venice Carnival, chirigotas (satirical groups) poke fun of politicians, celebrities and world events through short dramas performed during the Carnival. These performances officially compete at the Gran Teatro Falla, the old theatre. Other performances by comic actors, quartets and choruses are held in different parts of the city turning the city into a virtual open theatre.

There are lively parades, dancing children dressed in costumes and beauty pageants such as the Carnival Queen. Rock concerts featuring Spain’s famous singing groups are staged in the Plaza de Catedral. In Plaza San Juan de Dios, brace yourself for the daily “La Toronda” (The Thunder), a massive display of ear-splitting firecrackers. Still another treat are the rickety carnival rides in Parque Genoves.

The Cadiz Carnival is simply one big party. Music from mandolins, guitars and tambourines fill the air. Tourists and locals alike stay in the streets. Singing, dancing and riotous merrymaking last all night long. When the sun comes up, revelers flock the cafes for freshly-cooked churros (crispy Spanish pastries) which they dip into steaming hot cups of chocolate.

Without a doubt, the Cadiz Carnival is one of the most beautiful and liveliest festivals in Spain. Be sure not to miss it.