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.