During the Spanish Civil War and the years of Franco, Carnaval celebrations were strictly forbidden throughout the entire country-- besides in Cádiz, that is. Ignoring the government's decree, the Gaditanos did what they do best and continued to throw parties every year, although they were significantly smaller than usual (the usual being the second largest Carnaval in the world, next only to Brazil's). The Gaditanos' determination to kick up their heels and be merry in the face of any opposition is what has resulted in their pre-Lent parties being the most famous throughout all of Spanish history.
This year, with all the worry of the economic crisis congesting the streets, many feared that Carnaval would once again be a smaller celebration than the enormous, world-renowned parties a more economically-stable Cádiz had hosted for so many centuries now. But Carnaval of 2009 was no disappointment-- every room in the city was booked both the first and second weekends, the city's population more than doubled for the week, and I, along with my fellow Americans, had one of the craziest ten days of my life....
My best friend Michelle and me
getting into the Carnaval spirit!
You always hear about Catholicism being more
social than religious in Spain, and here is proof
of that: our cathedral on the first Friday of Carnaval,
overflowing with costumed and inebriated party-goers.
What is the cheapest and quickest
costume you can put together from
the selection at your local bazaar?
A fairy!
The best memories of Carnaval I have are from the nights
we spent in the streets until the sun came up.
Here is our group of friends, some from Cadiz, others
visiting from Sevilla, and others are surely friends that
were made just minutes before this photo was captured.
OLE!
A group of women dressed as the mascot
for the beloved beer of Spain, Cruzcampo.
And, at the end of the night after all the
celebrations, here is what every street
in the city looks like.
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