Carnaval de Cádiz is said to be the third largest carnival celebration in the world after Rio de Janeiro and Trinidad…and it’s definitely something to witness. Carnaval usually takes place within the first 2 -3 weeks of February every year. I’ve attended carnaval in Cádiz, Lanzarote (Puerto del Carmen) and Sanlúcar and there are some things I wish I had known beforehand; continue reading below for insight on how to get the most out of your carnaval experience!
CARNAVAL DE CÁDIZ: WHAT I WISH I HAD KNOWN BEFORE GOING!
February 22, 20155 Comments
Carnaval de Cádiz is said to be the third largest carnival celebration in the world after Rio de Janeiro and Trinidad…and it’s definitely something to witness. Carnaval usually takes place within the first 2 -3 weeks of February every year. I’ve attended carnaval in Cádiz, Lanzarote (Puerto del Carmen) and Sanlúcar and there are some things I wish I had known beforehand; continue reading below for insight on how to get the most out of your carnaval experience!
THE CROWDS
If if you had told me the amount of people who would be in Cádiz the Saturday of carnaval I wouldn’t have believed you. Every street in the city is packed with thousands of people and you’ll be pushing your way through crowds all night. If you hope to duck into a store or restaurant to use the restroom, forget about it! Your best option is to find a semi-concealed place between trashcans on the street or a dimly lit alley (so bring a pack of tissues ladies)! If you’re thinking of staying the night in city on the “Big Saturday” of carnaval you better try reserving accommodation a few months ahead of time because absolutely everything will be booked. People usually bring their own beer and liquor with them to drink in the streets (the locals call this action botellón). You’ll notice everyone has plastic bags full of Cruzcampo bottles, liquor and mixers; there are so many people drinking in public that the police don’t do anything about it (so I wouldn’t worry too much about getting in trouble for it).
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This is what it looks like to walk through the streets of Cádiz on the Saturday of Carnaval
CARNAVAL DE CÁDIZ: WHAT I WISH I HAD KNOWN BEFORE GOING!
February 22, 20155 Comments
Carnaval de Cádiz is said to be the third largest carnival celebration in the world after Rio de Janeiro and Trinidad…and it’s definitely something to witness. Carnaval usually takes place within the first 2 -3 weeks of February every year. I’ve attended carnaval in Cádiz, Lanzarote (Puerto del Carmen) and Sanlúcar and there are some things I wish I had known beforehand; continue reading below for insight on how to get the most out of your carnaval experience!
THE CROWDS
If if you had told me the amount of people who would be in Cádiz the Saturday of carnaval I wouldn’t have believed you. Every street in the city is packed with thousands of people and you’ll be pushing your way through crowds all night. If you hope to duck into a store or restaurant to use the restroom, forget about it! Your best option is to find a semi-concealed place between trashcans on the street or a dimly lit alley (so bring a pack of tissues ladies)! If you’re thinking of staying the night in city on the “Big Saturday” of carnaval you better try reserving accommodation a few months ahead of time because absolutely everything will be booked. People usually bring their own beer and liquor with them to drink in the streets (the locals call this action botellón). You’ll notice everyone has plastic bags full of Cruzcampo bottles, liquor and mixers; there are so many people drinking in public that the police don’t do anything about it (so I wouldn’t worry too much about getting in trouble for it).
This is what it looks like to walk through the streets of Cádiz on the Saturday of Carnaval
The Plaza de la Catedral in Cádiz at about 2am…completely packed!
COSTUMES
One of my favorite things about carnaval are the costumes! Seeing a group of 30 smurfs is expected… a passing army of storm troopers complete with Delta-class DX-9 space ship won’t raise any eyebrows either. Carnaval is all about having fun, so expect to see some hilarious costumes in the streets! As with my recommendations for Carnaval in Sanlúcar de Barrameda; dress warmly and comfortably (otherwise you will freeze), do a “group” theme with your friends (like the locals), and don’t wear anything you care about (carnaval is such a hot mess…the streets are covered in piss and alcohol so don’t wear nice shoes).
Example of “group” costume idea!
