Cadiz Carnival 2025

Be part of the boisterous fiesta in Cádiz!

Located in Cádiz, a historic port city in Andalusia, the Cádiz Carnival is known for its colorful parades, vibrant street parties, elaborate costumes, and much more. This event is one of Spain’s oldest and most enduring carnivals, dating back to the 16th century when Cádiz was a significant port for trade. Over the years, due to the influence of Italian carnivals, especially the Venice Carnival, the Cádiz Carnival evolved to include humor, satire, and lively musical performances, which have become its signature elements.

The festival is centered on humor and satire. Performers, especially the chirigotas (satirical musical groups), poke fun at politicians, celebrities, and current events, making it a platform for social commentary.

The festive days will last from February 27 to March 9; prepare for non-stop fun!

What to Expect When Attending Cadiz Carnival 2025

The Cádiz Carnival unfolds across different venues in this old town.

In the weeks leading up to the carnival, the Gran Teatro Falla hosts competitions for chirigotas, comparsas, coros, and cuartetos. These local groups perform satirical and humorous songs and skits, often themed around current events, in a show of talent and wit.

The carnival begins officially with a grand proclamation by a well-known personality, a local celebrity or artist, who sets the tone for the festivities. This event is held at Plaza de San Antonio. Throughout the city, spontaneous street performances pop up in plazas and the historic Barrio de la Viña.

The street parades are the highlight of the event. The grand parade, Gran Cabalgata or Cabalgata Magna, is held on the first Sunday. It features colorful floats, extravagant costumes, music, and dancing as it winds through the city’s streets, drawing spectators of all ages. You can also participate in the second great parade - Cabalgata del Humor, or Comedy Parade.

Plazas like Plaza de las Flores, Plaza de San Antonio, and Plaza de la Catedral will host live music, fancy dress dances, and theatrical performances, serving as focal points for family-friendly activities during the day and lively parties at night.

The carnival concludes with the Closing Ceremony, a great fireworks display, and the 'burning of the witch.' The Burning of the Witch (Quema de la Bruja) symbolizes the expulsion of negativity, misfortune, and bad energies as the carnival ends. In this tradition, a large effigy of a witch is burned, accompanied by music, dancing, and fireworks, creating a bittersweet yet festive atmosphere.

Prepare for mild weather, with average high temperatures around 15.6 C (60 F) and lows near 11 C (52 F). Dress in colorful costumes, but remember to bring a jacket for cooler evenings!

Tickets

Cádiz Carnival is primarily a free event. Most celebrations, including street performances, chirigotas, parades, and open-air concerts, take place in public spaces such as plazas, streets, and neighborhoods, allowing everyone to participate without a fee.

However, certain events, like the competitions held at Gran Teatro Falla, require tickets, which can sell out quickly due to high demand.

Security Protocols

• Security personnel will be stationed throughout the venue to check bags, help guide the crowd, and prevent overcrowding.
• Medical staff will be available at key points to assist in medical emergencies.
• Prohibited items include large bags or backpacks, drones, and dangerous objects.

How to Get To or From the Event

Here's how to get around the Cadiz and reach the carnival events:

• Bus: Route 1 (La Paz - Cortadura) connects the western part of the city to the beach areas. You can also take route 2 (La Paz - Santa María del Mar), which covers a route from the central area to the southern beaches. Route 3 (San Severiano - Puntales) serves the northern districts and connects the port area. Other convenient routes are 4 and 5. Visit the official bus website Autobuses Urbanos de Cádiz for schedules and the best route for you.
• Train: Several options are available for reaching Cádiz by train, depending on your destination. If you’re traveling from Seville, there are frequent direct trains from Seville Santa Justa to Cádiz, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. You can take a high-speed AVE train from Madrid to Seville, then transfer to a regional train to Cádiz. Additionally, there are direct routes from Málaga and other Andalusian cities, with train services run by Renfe, which operates the major connections. Within Cádiz, the train station is located close to the city center, making it easy to reach the heart of the carnival events by foot or public transport.

Cadiz Carnival 2025 Bag Policy

For safety and convenience, we recommend carrying smaller bags.

Since the event doesn't provide an area to store your luggage, Bounce is here to solve that problem!

Bounce is a platform that helps travelers have a pleasant stay in the city they're visiting without worrying about their belongings. We partner with local businesses in more than 15,000 locations in 4,000+ cities worldwide.

Contact us through our website or mobile app; we'll help you explore Cadiz freely!

Cadiz Carnival 2025 Bag Storage

Store Your Bags With Bounce and Enjoy Carnival Atmosphere

The process for storing your luggage with our help is straightforward.

All you have to do is find an area in the city that suits you most and then contact us! You can find the Bounce locations in Cadiz online and quickly drop off your stuff there.

The price for storing your belongings in Cadiz is only €3.90 per day! If you have any questions, our support is available 24/7, and there's no cancellation fee.

How to Stow Your Bag at Cadiz Carnival 2025 With Bounce

• Book in a few taps: Choose when and where to drop off your bags, then book and pay online.
• Head to the store: Show your booking confirmation to an employee, and leave your bag(s)!
• Enjoy the carnival: Dress your best and enjoy this spectacular event!

How to Make the Most Out of Cadiz Carnival 2025

• Dress up: You’ll see locals and visitors embracing the carnival's tradition by wearing colorful, quirky outfits. Putting on a costume is a great way to immerse yourself entirely in the spirit of the event. ​Be creative, as humor and satire are central to the festival.
• Enjoy food and drinks: Local food stands pop up all over the city during the carnival. You’ll find delicious Andalusian specialties such as tortillitas de camarones (shrimp fritters) and churros. Pair these with local wines or the famous rebujito, a refreshing Andalusian cocktail made with fino sherry and soda.
• Don't miss the Quema de la Bruja: The Quema de la Bruja, a theatrical burning of a witch effigy, marks the symbolic "end" of the carnival. It's a fun and dramatic event, full of community spirit and energy. Make sure you don't miss it!

Store your luggage with Bounce while in Cadiz! The Cadiz Carnival promises to be creative, fun, and joyful.