Explore 13 events and festivals in Cádiz, Andalusia throughout 2026.
On the evening of January 5, the Cabalgata de Reyes Magos winds through the streets of Cádiz as Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar ride on decorated floats distributing sweets to thousands of children lining the route. The parade departs from the old town and marks the eve of Epiphany, the most gift-giving occasion in the Spanish calendar. It is one of the most popular winter events in the city.
On the evening of January 5, the Cabalgata de Reyes Magos winds through the streets of Cádiz as Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar ride on decorated floats distributing sweets to thousands of children lining the route. The parade departs from the old town and marks the eve of Epiphany, the most gift-giving occasion in the Spanish calendar. It is one of the most popular winter events in the city.
The COAC is the competitive heart of the Cádiz Carnival, held at the historic Gran Teatro Falla from January through late February. The 2026 edition brings together 182 groups across four categories — chirigotas, comparsas, coros, and cuartetos — competing in adult, youth, and children's divisions with satirical songs and skits. The contest culminates in a Gran Final that draws packed audiences and is broadcast nationally each year.
The Carnival of Cádiz (February 12-22, 2026) is a declared event of International Tourist Interest and one of Spain's most celebrated festivals, famous for the satirical coplas and elaborate costumes of its competing chirigotas and comparsas. The streets fill with impromptu performances alongside the official Gran Cabalgata and Cabalgata del Humor parades. The tradition of biting social commentary through song sets the Cádiz carnival apart from any other in Spain.
The Carnaval Especial de Algeciras unfolds over two weeks in February, with the main street festivities concentrated on the weekend of February 20-22, 2026. The program includes a competition of carnival groups, lively pasacalles (street parades), a main cabalgata, and a communal outdoor chorizada that brings neighborhoods together. It is the most festive pre-Lenten celebration in the Campo de Gibraltar region.
Cádiz's Holy Week sees brotherhoods (cofradías) carrying centuries-old religious sculptures through the narrow streets of the historic old city in nightly processions from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. The city's compact historic centre and dramatic coastal backdrop give its Semana Santa a distinctive character within Andalucía, with spontaneous saetas (flamenco laments) ringing out along the routes. The Consejo Local de Cofradías coordinates over a dozen brotherhoods whose pasos are considered masterworks of Baroque religious art.
GuadaMotor Fest is a three-day celebration held in Guadalcacín over the May bank holiday weekend (May 1-3, 2026), nicknamed the "Formula 1 Agrícola" for its tractor races that are billed as unique in the world. The program mixes agricultural vehicle competitions with live music concerts, local food stalls, and family activities spread across this small Jerez municipality. It has become one of the most distinctive and popular local festivals in the province of Cádiz.
The Feria del Caballo (May 9-16, 2026) is Jerez de la Frontera's celebrated annual horse fair and one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. The week fills the González Hontoria fairgrounds with Andalusian horsemanship displays, dressage competitions, carriage processions, flamenco dancing in casetas, and the sherry wines for which Jerez is famous. Its blend of equestrian tradition and festive atmosphere draws visitors from across Spain and abroad.
The Festival Internacional del Títere Ciudad de Cádiz brings together puppet and marionette theatre companies from across Europe and Latin America for a week of performances in theatres and public spaces throughout the city. Shows span intimate tabletop marionette work to large-scale outdoor spectacles, welcoming audiences of all ages. It is organized by the Teatro Títere La Tía Norica, one of the oldest puppet companies in Spain.
The XXIV Festival Internacional Cádiz en Danza (June 6-13, 2026) turns the city into a capital of contemporary dance for a week, with performances spread across public spaces, historic sites, and non-conventional venues. The festival has hosted Spanish and international companies since its founding, presenting work ranging from classical ballet to avant-garde contemporary forms. It is organized with the support of the Ayuntamiento de Cádiz.
The Fiesta de la Bulería is Jerez de la Frontera's signature late-summer flamenco festival, dedicated entirely to the bulería, the fast and festive cante style born in the city. Held at the Estadio Chapín at the end of August, it draws leading flamenco artists from across Spain for several nights of performances and is broadcast live. The festival celebrates Jerez's status as the birthplace of some of flamenco's most distinctive rhythms.
The South International Series Festival (September 12-17, 2026) is an annual event in Cádiz dedicated to international television series, bringing together industry screenings, Q&A sessions with creators, panel discussions, and competitive awards across six days. The festival presents over 70 premieres of fiction and non-fiction series, many making their Spanish debut. It has become a key event on the European TV industry calendar since its founding.
Jerez de la Frontera's zambombas are intimate flamenco Christmas gatherings held in patios, plazas, and peña flamenca meeting rooms throughout December. Participants sing traditional villancicos flamencos accompanied by the zambomba friction drum, creating a festive atmosphere unlike any other Christmas celebration in Spain. The gatherings are organized by local flamenco societies and neighborhood associations, and draw large audiences of locals and visitors alike.