The Concurso Oficial de Agrupaciones Carnavalescas (COAC) 2025 has officially declared its winners following a thrilling final held at the Gran Teatro Falla on February 28, coinciding with the Día de Andalucía. The event encompassed various musical performances within multiple categories, setting the stage for vibrant celebrations typical of the Cádiz Carnival.
Leading the winners list was the comparsa Las Ratas, which secured the first prize with an impressive score of 769.98. Following closely were El Cementerio (759.38) and Los del otro barrio (758.83), occupying the second and third positions respectively. The fourth prize was awarded to La Tribu with 753.72 points, demonstrating the high caliber of talent presented this year.
Notably, chirigotas also shone brightly at this year’s event. The first prize was claimed by Comparsa Los Calaítas (fuimos a por tabaco), known for its traditional yet refreshing approach, achieving 772.46 points. Meanwhile, Los Butaneros, representing CAI/CDC, captured the second prize with 769.69 points. Los James Bond que da gloria verlos followed suit, claiming the third spot with 769.17 points, and the chirigota Cádiz, los que van a cantar te lasudan (los disléxicos) rounded out the top four at 752.67 points.
The Chanted coros featured the prize-winning El Gallinero, which took home the first place with 749.60 points. This was closely contested by Cádiz, el Show (746.03), Las entrañas de Cádiz (742.65), and El lado oscuro (740.97), marking the competitiveness of the category this year.
Among the cuartetos, the standout performance came from Ku Kux Klan Klan, which secured the top prize with 758.30 points, followed by Un clásico nunca falla which earned 729.40 points. These performances were noted for their clever use of satire and cultural references, which are hallmarks of the Cádiz Carnival.
The evening was not just about prizes but celebrated the artistry and dedication of all participating groups. Specific awards were also presented for masterful craftsmanship and creativity. Las Coquetas Estéticas won for best makeup and hairstyling, recognized for their portrayal of Albarracín, the hidden village. The award for Maestría del Vestuario went to Arte Vida Factory, celebrated for their stunning costumes worn by Los del otro barrio. The award for the Escena perfecta, for best set design, was handed to Artedeba Tematización S.L. for their innovative set design of the comparsa DesoBDC.
The COAC 2025 showcased the enduring spirit of Cádiz Carnival, highlighting the rich traditions infused with contemporary themes. Notable performances included strong statements on social issues, addressing matters like environmental concerns and the state of current politics. The final evening was filled with lively spirit as the audience filled the Gran Teatro Falla, embracing the exuberance of Carnival after weeks of competition.
The atmosphere was electric, with members of the audience donning festive costumes and engaging with the performances, which span various genres and styles, from poignant ballads to riotous comedic sketches. The blend of humor and social commentary remains the heart of the Carnival, evidenced by the popularity of acts like Los Calaítas, which cleverly mixed traditional songs with modern issues.
The mayor of Cádiz, Bruno García, was present at the event, emphasizing the importance of such cultural celebrations to the community and expressing pride for the performances displayed throughout the competition. "I wish all the people of Cádiz and viewers at home an unforgettable night," he said, echoing sentiments across the crowd who cheered on the performers.
This year’s Carnival continued to uphold the beautiful tradition of the Cádiz community, blending history with artistic expression, thereby enriching its cultural fabric. The vibrancy of performances not only entertained but also reminded attendees of the deep-rooted connections within the local and global community, engaging them through laughter, music, and emotional storytelling.