The anticipation surrounding the Concurso Oficial de Agrupaciones Carnavalescas (COAC) 2025 reached its climax early on the morning of February 14, 2025, as the official jury, led by Anabel Balboa, announced which groups would progress to the highly competitive quarter-finals. The declaration, made just past midnight at the esteemed Gran Teatro Falla in Cádiz, was met with excitement as Domingo Acedo, the secretary of the jury, opened with the traditional phrase "En la ciudad de Cádiz..." before naming the influential groups.
This year’s COAC faced fierce competition, with 133 groups performing throughout the preliminary rounds. Out of these performances, only 52 groups secured their place for the next stage, reflecting the rigorous selection process. The advancing groups include 10 coros, 20 comparsas, 20 chirigotas, and 2 cuartetos—an exciting mix representing the diverse talent present at this year’s festival.
The groups moving on from the first stage showcase exceptional artistry. Among the coros are favorites such as 'Las entrañas de Cádiz' and 'Los guardianes del Dios Momo'. Comparsas features notable entries including 'Los wonderful' and 'La resistencia', who aim to captivate audiences with their lively performances. The chirigotas, which traditionally bring humor, include well-known acts like 'Los cagones' and 'Los pimpinelas de la plaza Fragela'. This lineup promises to display diverse, high-quality performances as they battle for higher scores over the next week.
Following the excitement of the qualifying groups, this year's competition will proceed to the quarter-finals, starting on the evening of February 14 and running until February 20. During these sessions, each of the 52 qualifying groups will perform again, aiming to impress the jury with their best songs and theatrical displays. Points earned will accumulate as they strive for advancement to the semi-finals, scheduled for February 23-26. Only the top contenders from these semi-finals will make it to the final showdown, taking place on February 28, 2025.
The jury, which comprises experienced judges passionate about the Carnaval, plays a pivotal role during these competitions. Their evaluations are thorough, weighing individual performances against set criteria for each category. Critics have noted the high standards maintained this year, as they have for decades past, making each point significant and each failure of entry even more poignant for the groups struggling to find their footing within this beloved event.
Looking back, many groups expressed disbelief and emotion after hearing the results. Some celebrated their success, eager to showcase their talents again, whereas several others were left disappointed, having poured their hearts and resources only to fall short of the scoring threshold necessary to advance. A total of 82 groups, including multiple established performers, were eliminated from the competition during this phase.
For those still competing, this year’s festivities carry added weight. The introduction of new judging criteria could spell new opportunities for creativity and talent display. The competition not only serves as entertainment for local spectators but also as traditional folklore, bringing the community together to celebrate their culture and artistic expression.
Local broadcast channels and radio stations have prepared for live coverage, ensuring fans do not miss any moments from the following phases. Fans eagerly await updates as performers and groups rehearse, vying for the coveted status of winners at one of Spain’s most vibrant cultural festivals.
With every song and performance bringing fresh anticipation, the COAC 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most memorable editions yet, and it’s clear from the fervor of the performances and the emotional responses from the crowd, there’s much at stake for competitors and audience members alike.
Clearly, as we move forward, excitement and enthusiasm will overflow as Cádiz gears up once again to celebrate its historical Carnaval with fervor and pride. The artistry and passion displayed on the night of the quarter-finals will undoubtedly echo through the streets of Cádiz long after the performances end, solidifying the deep-rooted traditions of this unique Spanish festival.