Cádiz is home to some of the most vibrant festivals and events in Spain, making it a must-visit destination for culture lovers. This month-by-month guide to local celebrations in Cádiz highlights everything from the world-renowned Cádiz Carnival and the solemn processions of Holy Week to unique gastronomic routes and lively street festivals.
If you’re wondering what’s on in Cádiz or looking for events in Cádiz, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the city’s most important festivals and celebrations. Whether you’re searching for cultural activities, local festivals, or annual traditions, Cádiz has something for everyone, all year round.
At the bottom of this article you will find links to the town hall and tourist board of Cádiz. These sites normally publish current and future events with their actual times and dates. (Many event dates change year by year.)
January
Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de Reyes) – 5th January
On the eve of Epiphany, Cádiz hosts a lively parade where the Three Wise Men, dressed in colourful robes, distribute sweets to children. Floats adorned with lights and festive decorations pass through the streets, accompanied by music and celebrations.
February
Carnival (Carnaval) – Normally from mid February to the end of the month.
The Cádiz Carnival (El Carnaval de Cádiz) is one of the most famous in Spain and the world, recognized as an International Tourist Attraction and considered the quintessential festival of Cádiz.
- Choirs (coros) consist of 30 to 35 people and parade on floats, playing the traditional “tanguillo” of Cádiz using guitars and bandurrias.
- Comparsas are made up of about 15 people, with guitars, snare drums, and bass drums.
- Chirigotas are comedic groups of around 10 members, known for their characteristic carnival whistle (pito de caña or pito de carnaval), and also play snare drums and bass drums.
- Quartets consist of four performers, blending humour and song.
March
Lenten Music (Música en Cuaresma) – Two weeks before Easter
In the lead-up to Easter, churches and venues across Cádiz host sacred music performances that set the reflective tone of the Lenten period. These concerts often include classical pieces and traditional hymns.
April
Holy Week (Semana Santa) – Normally the first or second week of April
Holy Week in Cádiz (La Semana Santa) is a deeply emotional and religious event, featuring processions through the old town. Brother and sisterhoods (hermandades) carry intricately adorned floats depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ. The processions begin on Palm Sunday and end with the Resurrection Brotherhood’s march on Easter Sunday morning.
May
The International Puppet Festival of Cádiz (Festival Internacional de Títeres Ciudad de Cádiz)
This festival brings together puppeteers from across the world to perform for both children and adults. The shows feature a variety of styles, from traditional marionettes to contemporary puppet theatre.
Manuel de Falla Classical Music Festival (Festival de Música Clásica Manuel de Falla)
A celebration of classical music, this festival honours the legacy of the famous Spanish composer Manuel de Falla, featuring performances from world-renowned musicians and orchestras.
June
Corpus Christi (Corpus Christi) – Normally the first or second week in June
Religious brotherhoods, local authorities, and clergy all participate, creating a solemn yet festive atmosphere.
Night of San Juan (Noche de San Juan) – Normally the end of June (23rd or 24th)
Participants jump over the remains of the bonfire three times, making wishes on pieces of paper. If the paper burns, the wishes will come true. Popular traditions include cleansing rituals such as dipping feet in the sea to wash away bad luck.
Tapas Route (Ruta del Tapeo) – June
This gastronomic event celebrates Cádiz’s rich culinary tradition. Visitors can tour local bars and restaurants, sampling a variety of creative tapas dishes, showcasing both traditional and innovative flavours.
July
Folklore Festival “City of Cádiz” (Festival de Folklore “Ciudad de Cádiz”) – July
A colourful festival celebrating traditional music and dance from around the world. Performers from various countries gather in Cádiz to showcase their cultural heritage through live performances and folk dances in a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere.
August
Carranza Trophy (Trofeo Carranza) – August
This famous football tournament is one of the most anticipated sporting events in Cádiz. Alongside the matches, the city’s beaches, especially Playa Victoria, are filled with traditional barbecues, creating a festive, beach-party atmosphere.
September
Gastronomic Route “Cádiz, Sea of Flavours” (Gastronómica Cádiz, La Mar de Bueno) – September
This gastronomic route takes food lovers on a culinary journey through Cádiz’s finest seafood dishes, highlighting the city’s connection to the sea and its rich maritime traditions.
Atlantic Film Showcase “Alcances” (Muestra Cinematográfica del Atlántico Alcances) – Normally the first half of September
A film festival showcasing independent cinema from across the Atlantic, focusing on documentaries, experimental films, and emerging directors. It offers a platform for filmmakers to present their work and for film enthusiasts to engage in discussions about contemporary cinema.
October
Patron Saint Festival, Our Lady of the Rosary (Fiesta de la Patrona, Virgen del Rosario) – Normally the first week of October
Cádiz honours its patron saint, the Virgin of the Rosary, with a religious procession through the city. The event is marked by prayer, music, and floral offerings, drawing crowds from across the region.
Ibero-American Theatre Festival ( Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro – FIT) – Normally the second half of October
This international theatre festival celebrates the cultural ties between Spain and Latin America, with performances from theatre companies from both sides of the Atlantic. The event includes a diverse range of performances, from classic plays to contemporary experimental theatre.
Tosantos (Tosantos) – End of October
Tosantos is a traditional festival celebrated in Cádiz at the end of October, marking the eve of All Saints’ Day (Todos los Santos). The event is centred around the city’s markets, where vendors humorously decorate their stalls with fruits, vegetables, meats, and other products to create satirical scenes and figures that often poke fun at current events or public figures. This festive atmosphere also includes competitions, children’s activities, and music.
November
Spanish Music Festival (Festival de Música Española) – November
This festival celebrates the rich tradition of Spanish music, featuring performances from leading Spanish musicians and composers. The event spans various genres, from classical to contemporary, providing a comprehensive overview of Spain’s musical heritage.
International Contemporary Dance Festival, Cádiz in Dance (Festival Internacional de Danza Contemporánea, Cádiz en Danza) – November
An international festival showcasing innovative contemporary dance performances. Dancers and choreographers from around the world perform across various venues in Cádiz, pushing the boundaries of modern dance.
December
International Puppet Festival of Cádiz (Festival Internacional del Títere Ciudad de Cádiz) – December
In December, Cádiz hosts this vibrant puppet festival, which brings together puppet masters from all over the world. Shows range from traditional puppet plays to avant-garde performances, entertaining both children and adults alike.
Find out more about events and fiestas in Cádiz
You can stay up-to-date with the latest events by visiting the following websites. While most of the content is in Spanish, you can easily navigate and search for information using the Spanish translations provided in the list above. This will help you find the events you’re interested in quickly and accurately.
The town hall of Cádiz agenda website: https://institucional.cadiz.es/programacion_cultural
The Cádiz tourist office events website: https://www.cadizturismo.com/en/todos-los-eventos
(For the Cádiz tourist office website, you can select English, the date range and then towns (including Cádiz) in the drop down menu.
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I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain.