The final round of the COAC 2026 carnival groups competition in Cádiz has the power to reshape the perception of the region’s traditions and cultural values. This event not only crowns the winners but also shapes public opinion, bringing together thousands of viewers both in front of their screens and at the Gran Teatro Falla. The evening promises to be one of the most talked-about moments in Andalusia’s cultural life, as what’s at stake is not just awards, but recognition and status in the world of Spanish carnival.
This year, 15 adult groups reached the final: four coros, four comparsas, four chirigotas, and three quartets. Each made it through several elimination rounds, where competition was especially fierce. The finalist lineup is the result of weeks of intense performances, with every jury decision sparking strong emotions among fans. Now, it is these groups who will decide who becomes the symbol of the 2026 carnival.
Performance order
Organizers have announced a strict stage order to keep the suspense going until dawn. The evening will open with the coro “El sindicato,” followed by the chirigota “Los que van a recoger papas.” Next, the audience will see the comparsa “Los invisibles” and the quartet “Los Latin King (de la calle Pasquín).” Each segment is a separate story, filled with music, satire, and unexpected twists.
Midway through the evening, the coro “Las mil maravillas,” the chirigota “Una chirigota, en teoría,” and the comparsa “El patriota” will take the stage. The quartet “¡Que no vengan!” will turn up the heat, while the coro “ADN” and the chirigota “Ssshhhhh!!” will keep the audience on edge. Later at night, the comparsa “Los humanos,” the quartet “Crónica de una muerte más que anunciada,” and the coro “La Esencia” will perform. Rounding out the marathon will be the chirigota “Los amish del mono, fuimos a por piononos (la decepción)” and the comparsa “DSAS3.”
Broadcast and Atmosphere
The final is set to begin at 20:00, but Canal Sur Televisión will start a live broadcast from 19:55. For those who prefer radio, detailed commentary and analysis of each performance will be available on Radio Cádiz, including Cadena SER Cádiz and Onda Cero Cádiz. This comprehensive media approach ensures that even those unable to attend in person can follow the event.
A full house is expected at Gran Teatro Falla: tickets sold out long before the event. The atmosphere in the hall is always charged with a special energy—audiences react to every joke, every note, every sharp remark. The COAC final is not just a competition but also a reflection of public sentiment, bringing to the forefront the issues that matter most to the people of Cádiz and all of Spain.
Carnival as a mirror of society
The COAC final traditionally becomes a stage for discussing pressing issues. Performers use the platform for satire, social critique, and expressing civic opinions. This year, sharp performances focused on politics, the economy, and everyday life in Spain are anticipated. That’s why interest in the final never wanes—audiences expect not only a show but also an honest conversation about current realities.
Winners will gain not only recognition but also a chance to become part of carnival history. For many groups, reaching the final is already a victory, as it offers a chance to make their mark across the country. On this night, Cádiz takes center stage, with its theater becoming the birthplace of new legends.
In recent years, COAC finals have consistently sold out and sparked lively debates in the media and on social networks. In 2025, for instance, an unexpected win by a little-known chirigota became a sensation, while the 2024 final was remembered for its sharp satire on political events. Each time, the contest reflects the era Spain is living in and serves as a stage for the boldest creative experiments.
