The preliminary rounds of the COAC 2025 (Concurso Oficial de Agrupaciones Carnavalescas) concluded on February 13, with the official jury announcing its results late at night. The 22 sessions of this year’s auditions have marked the longest preliminary phase in the competition's history, combining both excitement and anxiety among participants and fans alike.
After rounds filled with melodies and humor, 52 groups have made the cut to advance to the quarter-finals starting on February 14. Throughout these preliminary sessions, which concluded at approximately midnight, the jury faced tough decisions, as 79 groups were eliminated from the competition.
Top contenders include ten coros, twenty comparsas, and twenty chirigotas, along with two cuartetos. According to the jury’s verdict, the following groups received enough points to move on:
- Chirigotas: 'Cuando tú vas yo vengo', 'Los hermanos del Buen Fin', and more
- Comparsas: 'Los poderesos', 'Las perras', among others.
- Coros: standout performance from 'La fábrica de chocolate'
Among the groups, 'La fábrica de chocolate' by Barbate shone brightly, securing the seventh position with 213 points.
Conversely, several groups like 'Los malhablao', who scored 184.29 points, stood just outside the threshold to proceed, creating emotional moments as they expressed their disappointments. This marked the first time this group has ever remained at the pre-selection phase.
Likewise, the chirigota 'Venimos de vuelta' almost made their return, achieving the impressive score of 189.33 yet still failing to qualify. Similarly, the comparsas like 'Más típico no lo hay, de Conil a Cai' felt the sting, holding scores just beneath the required minimum.
Throughout the sessions, the performances varied greatly. The widely discussed chirigota 'Quien guarda, halla' managed to impress and secured the 15th spot with 202 points. Their engaging popurrí surely helped uplift their ranking among crowds.
The quarter-finals are anticipated to run from February 14 to February 20, featuring seven groups per session. The excitement for these performances continues to grow as audiences await what the participating groups will bring over the following week.
Each quarter-final session promises to deliver impressive line-ups, with notable performances expected among the various categories, drawing attention from aficionados eager for top-tier talent. The initial line-up for the opening session includes the previously mentioned 'Las entrañas de Cádiz' and 'Ku Klux Klan Klan', serving both to entertain and evoke thought.
This year, the element of surprise seems to be prevalent, as groups from both edges of artistic credibility are participating. Last night's session exemplified this with both 'Los golpes de pecho' and 'Noche de fiesta' showcasing wide-ranging styles and concepts.
With all eyes turned toward the quarter-finals, one can only wonder how the competition progresses from here—will underdog groups rise to the occasion, or will the anticipated favorites triumph as expected?
All things considered, the COAC 2025 promises to be filled with both expected and unexpected performances, continuing to weave the rich cultural fabric of Cádiz and its carnival celebrations.