Cadiz City Carnival Glossary | Festivals in Andalucia

Give it a go! Anímate! © Michelle Chaplow

Useful Carnival Glossary

By Fiona Flores Watson

Are you planning your trip to the Carnival but feel nervous about actually speaking Spanish? We created a special collection of carnival words, to add to the fun!

Spanish	English
guasa	joke
estar de guasa	joking, not being serious
estar de pitorreo	larking about, clowning about
pregon	announcement, proclamation
pregonero/a	official announcer of opening of Carnaval
desfile	procession
cabalgata	parade (as in the Three Kings)
chirigota	humorous satirical singing group More>
carrusel	open cart that carries the coros
coro	large singing group
comparsa	more serious singing group
cuarteto	small comical performing group
chirigota illegal	amateur singing group
callejero/a	street group or performer
murga/charanga	band
pelotazo	good song which has succeeded in the competition, reaching the semi-final or final of the competition
cajonazo	good song which, in spite of its excellence, doesn't get beyond the competition's quarter-final

Five Fascinating Facts about Cadiz Carnival

Cadiz Carnival - Five Fascinating Facts

Carnival is the biggest event in Cadiz's calendar, and the most important of its type on mainland Spain, just as the Feria is for Seville. People flood in from all over Spain, and beyond, to enjoy… More →

Give it a go! Anímate!

Cadiz Carnival Guide - Glossary

Are you planning your trip to the Carnival but feel nervous about actually speaking Spanish? We've created a special collection of carnival words, to add to the fun!

A dabba. dabba doo time in the street parades, Cadiz Carnival

Events at Cadiz Carnival

Obviously, the programme varies from year to year, but you can take this as a rough guide to what happens on which day of the Carnaval. Check local press and websites for up-to-date information.… More →

What to see at the Carnival

The singing competition (COAC, Concurso Official de Agrupaciones Carnavalescas) is the central event of the pre-Carnaval, with four types of groups taking part - chirigotas, choros, cuartetos and… More →

Singing Group Types at the Carnival

There are several types of singing groups and songs at the Carnaval. They perform both at the theatre in the official competition, and also on the street. All wear fancy dress.

Cádiz City
Cádiz Carnival
Carnivals in Andalucia
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Cádiz

Carnival

Glossary

Cadiz Carnival Guide - Glossary

Useful Carnival Glossary

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