Cádiz Carnival: satire, songs and sea urchins

Cádiz Carnival is Spain's most famous for its wit, with singing groups performing satirical songs about politics and daily life. The old port city fills with costumes, music and street performers for ten days of fun.

Fun facts

• Groups called chirigotas, comparsas, coros and cuartetos compete in an official contest.
• The singing contest takes place at the Gran Teatro Falla.
• The carnival survived the Franco-era ban under the name Fiestas Típicas Gaditanas.

What to see

• The street performances of chirigotas around the Barrio de la Viña.
• The colourful parade (cabalgata) on carnival Sunday.
• The cathedral and seafront promenade of the old town.

What to taste

• Tortillitas de camarones, crispy shrimp fritters.
• Pescaíto frito, fried fish in paper cones.
• Erizos, sea urchins, traditionally eaten during carnival.

What to do

• Follow the unofficial street groups, known as ilegales, through the old town lanes.
• Dress up and join the crowd at night.
• Join the free erizada or ostionada food festivals.

💡 Tip: Jerez airport is closest, with trains to Cádiz in about 45 minutes. Seville airport is another option. Weekends are very crowded and accommodation is scarce.