Cádiz Carnival: Experience this Iconic Carnival in Andalucia (27 February to 9 March 2025)

Cádiz Carnival is a 10-day celebration - the premier, and probably craziest, carnival in Spain takes place from 27 February to 9 March 2025.

By Liza S. | Updated 28 Feb 2025 | Cádiz | Events | Login to add to YOUR Favourites or Read Later

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When is the Cadiz Carnival 2025?

The Cadiz Carnival will take place from 27 February to 9 March 2025.

Important Note about Cadiz Carnival Dates

In October 2021, the Cádiz town council announced that the dates for Cádiz Carnival would be changed from the traditional late February to early June. However, in the last two years, the Carnival dates have reverted to the traditional February date.

Cadiz Carnival 2025 is scheduled for 27 February to 9 March 2025 but for future editions, it's best to check the official website linked below for the latest news on when it will be held.

The Roots of the Cadiz Carnival

The Cadiz Carnival is one of Spain's most famous and vibrant festivals, with roots tracing back to the 16th century. Its origins are closely tied to the city's maritime connections and the influence of the Italian traders and sailors, who brought the tradition of the Venetian Carnival during the 16th century. Over the centuries, it evolved to include unique Spanish elements, particularly those reflecting local culture and satire.

What to Expect at the Cadiz Carnival

Regardless of whether in February or June, for 10 days, Cádiz bursts to life during its world-famous Carnival. For ten days, the city celebrates with parades, music, singing, dance, food, competitions, street shows and, of course, fireworks. Visitors arrive from all over the world for this event, reputed to be the largest in Spain.

It is a party that officially last ten days but often carries on for up to three weeks. Even before the official start you will find ‘rehearsals’ on various streets with bands practising, bars overflowing onto the footpath, roads closed using impromptu barriers and costumes being tried for size. The Police cheerfully ignore such innocent fun, after all, this is the only carnival in Spain that Franco could not ban.

The first parade, Gran Cabalgato, takes place on the first Sunday of the carnival. Ten thousand people are expected to pack the streets for the procession.

The Uniqueness of the Cadiz Carnival

The Cadiz Carnival stands out for its emphasis on humor, music, and creativity.

The streets of Cadiz come alive with music, as local groups, known as 'chirigotas' and 'comparsas', perform satirical and humorous songs that often comment on political and social issues.

The city is filled with people in elaborate costumes, lively parades, and flamboyant floats. Feel free to join in and dress up, if you want! Another unique feature is the 'tango' contests held in various plazas, showcasing traditional Andalucian songs.

The festival is renowned for its spontaneous nature. Unlike other carnivals that focus on grand parades and samba, the Cadiz Carnival is more about impromptu street performances, with locals and visitors alike joining in the festivities.

Much of the carnival's charm lies in these spontaneous street performances, so wander around the city to fully experience it. The atmosphere is one of communal celebration, where satire and humour take centrestage.

Highlights of Cadiz Carnival 2025

While much of the Cadiz Carnival is rooted in spontaneity and community, this popular Andalucian festival does have some scheduled events on its calendar.

The first weekend is usually the busiest, featuring a parade on Sunday and other events.

Here are the key events and highlights of Cadiz Carnival 2025 that you shouldn't miss.

Thursday, Feb 27 – Kickoff Events

Final of the Romanceros Competition (Gran Teatro Falla, 8:00 PM) – A beloved contest featuring witty, poetic solo performances.
Concert: Viva Suecia (Plaza de San Antonio, 10:00 PM) – A lively music event to set the festive mood.

Friday, Feb 28 – Carnival Takes Over

Children’s Parade & Costume Contest (12:00 PM–4:00 PM, Plaza de San Antonio) – A family-friendly event with kids' groups and vibrant costumes.
Final of the Official Carnival Groups Competition (COAC) (Gran Teatro Falla, 8:00 PM) – The grand finale of the prestigious singing contest.

Saturday, Mar 1 – Grand Opening

Battle of Coplas (2:00 PM, Mercado Central, Plaza del Palillero, Plaza Catedral) – Street performances by semifinalist musical groups.
Carnival Opening Speech (Pregón) (8:30 PM, Plaza de San Antonio) – The official opening speech, this year by Antonio Molina.
Grand Carnival Gala (10:00 PM, Gran Teatro Falla) – Featuring top performers from the COAC competition.
Street Carnival Night (10:00 PM, Barrio de la Viña, Plaza San Antonio, Plaza de San Francisco) – Singing groups and spontaneous performances take over the streets.

Sunday, Mar 2 – Spectacle & Parade

Carousel of Choirs (1:00 PM, Plaza de Abastos / Plaza Mina) – Traditional choral groups performing in the streets.
Grand Parade (Cabalgata Magna) (5:00 PM, from Plaza Ana Orantes to Puerta de Tierra) – The biggest parade of the carnival, featuring floats, costumes, and performers.
Concerts: Álvaro García (9:00 PM) & Tu Otra Bonita (10:45 PM, Plaza de San Antonio) – Live music to cap off the day.

Monday, Mar 3 – Traditional Sounds

Tanguillos Dance Contest (12:00 PM & 4:00 PM, Sala Momart Club Theatre) – Showcasing the classic Cádiz flamenco style.
Cruzcampo Carnival Groups Festival (8:00 PM, Plaza de San Antonio) – Another round of performances by top carnival groups.

Tuesday, Mar 4 – Momo’s Farewell

Procession of the Great Momo (8:00 PM, Plaza de San Juan de Dios to Plaza de San Antonio) – A theatrical parade led by the satirical figure of Momo.
Burning of the God Momo (9:30 PM, Plaza de San Antonio) – A symbolic farewell to excess and satire, marking the countdown to the end of the carnival.

Wednesday, Mar 5 – Carnival Culture

Concert: Kiko Veneno (10:00 PM, Plaza de San Antonio) – A must-see Spanish music legend.

Saturday, Mar 8 – Comedy & Costumes

Humor Parade / Carnival March (6:00 PM, Old Town) – A playful parade full of comedic sketches.
Concert: Fangoria (10:00 PM, Plaza de San Antonio) – One of Spain’s most iconic pop-electronic groups.

Sunday, Mar 9 – The Grand Finale

Burning of the Witch Piti (7:00 PM, Plaza Catedral) – A fiery farewell ritual marking the end of the carnival.
Drone Show (8:00 PM, Paseo del Vendaval) – A spectacular light show over the Cádiz skies.

You can get the full festival programme at cadiz.es (note: it's in Spanish).

The Cadiz Carnival is a multifaceted celebration with music, humour, gastronomy, and more, offering something for everyone.

Where to Stay in Cadiz

Needless to say, Cadiz Carnival attracts thousands of visitors so if you want to experience this one-of-a-kind Andalucian Carnival, be sure to plan in advance and book your accommodations early!

Check out these highly-rated accommodations in the city:

For more recommendations, read our full guide on where to stay in Cadiz.

Alternatively, check out the latest deals in Cadiz below.

Booking.com

Map: Cadiz Hotels

Recommended Spain Travel Resources

Travelling to/around Spain and need some help? Here are my favourite travel resources.

I usually use Booking.com to look for hotels or apartment rentals. Lots of choice & you can unlock more discounts with their Genius loyalty programme!

To research transportation options around Spain, I like using Omio. It’s an easy way to compare different modes of transport and prices in one place. To search train routes, schedules, and prices, I recommend using Trainline.

Renting a car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore Andalucia at your own pace. Click here to compare car rental prices. (You’ll be surprised at how affordable it is in Spain!)

Looking for tours & activities in Andalucia? I usually use Get Your Guide to get tickets and book tours. Viator also has a huge catalog of activities and tours across many cities in Spain. Our Viator Shop has my top recommendations, all in one place!

Guruwalk is my favourite platform to find the best free walking tours in a city.

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