Comedy festival in the sweet Andalusian
Each year, the city of Cadiz - or Cádiz in Spanish - becomes the capital of burlesque during carnival. Andalusian songs and music, street theater: a gigantic farce by the sea.
At the start of the carnival: religion ... and gastronomy
The Carnival of Cádiz inaugurates the season of festivals and ferias in Andalusia. This formidable popular festival has its origin in the Christian calendar. Before the start of Lent, synonymous with fasting, the inhabitants of Cádiz declared a week of celebration. Good food, farandoles and humor: the "recipe" for carnival was born.
Cádiz, capital of laughter ... and satire
Today, the Cádiz Carnival is one of the most popular in the world. The inhabitants of the village, the “gaditans”, improvise themselves as actors, singers or musicians, and stroll in their colorful costumes. These not very Catholic troupes compete for good words and challenge tourists: humor and social satire are at the heart of the festival. As well as the gastronomic pleasures: we feast on the delicious tortillas sold in the street.
Walks on the port, Cádiz cathedral
The attractions of the Andalusian city do not stop with the authentic charm of carnival. The climate is conducive to walks on the superb seafront. The night gives the port a spectacular glow, which takes on all its relief during the carnival. And during the day, you can visit the astonishing neoclassical cathedral.
Where to stay during the carnival?
Cadiz contains 10 times its usual population during Carnival. It is therefore preferable to book a room in a nearby town. In Jerez de la Frontera for example, just 40 km to the north-west. An ideal base after a colorful day.
What to see in the surroundings of Cadiz and in Andalusia
- The Donana National Park and its lagoons, on the right bank of the Guadalquivir.
- The artistic and cultural heritage of Seville, city of the painter Diego Vélasquez.
- The surprising town of Ronda, further east: its suspension bridge and its magnificent bullring.
