In Cádiz, the festive buzz doesn’t subside even after the New Year lights and Christmas displays fade. The city is gearing up for its main event—the annual carnival group competition traditionally held at the Gran Teatro Falla. Just days after Christmas farewells, a fierce battle for the title of best couplet performers begins here, and the atmosphere in the city changes visibly.
This year, the competition kicks off especially early, and tension is already palpable in Cádiz from the first days of January. The adult groups—123 of them this year—are getting ready to take the stage, rehearsing late into the night, while costume and set designers work tirelessly. However, there have been surprises: the list of participants is noticeably shorter than last year, which has already affected the schedule—17 action-packed nights are planned for the preliminary round.
Intrigue and protests
From the outset, the competition was marred by controversy. Just hours before the opening, 40 groups issued a sharp statement against the municipality’s decision to replace long-time stage manager Jose Antonio Benavides with a team of technical specialists. The threat of a boycott hung in the air, only fueling public interest in the upcoming performances.
The first stage will run until January 27, followed by a short break for the participants. Then come the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finally, the highly anticipated final night on February 13. Each evening, seven to eight groups will take the stage, and no one knows what themes or images they will choose this year. Organizers and spectators alike are left guessing: will the focus be on global headlines, local scandals, or unexpected parodies?
A Changing of the Guard
This season, special attention is focused on the chirigotas genre—the most recognizable and popular form of carnival art among the public. Last year, the group Los calaíta took home the top prize, reaching the final for the first time and winning immediately. But this year, the landscape is shifting: legendary performer José Luis García Cossío, known as Selu, has left the competition. Over 34 years, he created 34 chirigotas, reached the final 25 times, and repeatedly stood on the winners’ podium. His absence marks a major event for all of Cádiz.
He won’t be the only notable figure missing—other prominent authors like Antonio Pedro Serrano, nicknamed el Canijo, and Kike Remolino also won’t compete this year. But a new generation is stepping in: for example, Alejandro Pérez, who wrote last year’s winning entry, is back with a group sporting the intriguing name Los amísh del mono, fuimos a por piononos (la decepción). The audience is eager to see whether these newcomers can maintain the high standard and surprise the jury.
Comebacks and Rivalries
In the comparsas category, the competition is just as fierce. After a year-long hiatus, Antonio Martínez Ares—one of the most charismatic and beloved authors—is making his return. His appearances on stage always draw huge excitement, and this year he’ll be competing against the equally well-known Jesús Bienvenido. Their duel is set to be a highlight of the contest, but other groups aren’t planning to back down either—with a record 53 groups entering in this category.
Let’s not overlook the coros—the largest ensembles by number, always impressing audiences with their scale and spectacle. Seven cuartetos will add sharp humor and edge to the program, as they are renowned for their bold satire and unexpected twists.
Themes and Expectations
What topics will resonate this year remains an open question. The Cádiz Carnival has always been a mirror of current events, from major political scandals and international headlines to local stories and even church intrigue. This time, the performances might mention Donald Trump, the resignation of Cádiz Bishop Rafael Zornoza, or corruption scandals in major parties. But the main thing is unpredictability: each group keeps their ideas secret right up until they take the stage.
This year, Cádiz once again proves that its carnival is more than just a celebration—it’s a true cultural phenomenon, where tradition meets innovation and the battle for the top spot becomes a captivating show. Who will surprise the audience this time? We’ll find out very soon.
