The Grand Final of the Concurso Oficial de Agrupaciones Carnavalescas (COAC) 2025 takes place tonight, February 28, 2025, at the iconic Gran Teatro Falla in Cádiz, coinciding with the Día de Andalucía. Known for its vibrant celebration of music, humor, and tradition, this event is the highlight of the renowned Carnival of Cádiz.
This year, 14 groups have triumphed through previous rounds to secure their spot in the final, where they will perform their best pieces, hoping to win the coveted first prize in their respective categories. The evening kicks off at 20:00 hours with the coro Las entrañas de Cádiz, led by José Manuel Pedrosa and David Fernández, whose powerful performances have kept the audience enthralled throughout the competition.
Each participating group brings its unique flair, exemplifying the diversity of the carnival's artistic expressions. The competition is organized across four modalities: coros, chirigotas, comparsas, and cuartetos. The choruses feature large vocal ensembles complemented by traditional instruments, contributing to the grandeur of the event. Chirigotas are known for their humor and satire, often poking fun at everyday situations and societal issues. Comparsas tend to focus on emotional narratives and complex harmonies, offering poetic reflections through their performances. Finally, the cuartetos showcase smaller groups known for their theatricality and comic presentations.
Here is the order of performances for the Grand Final:
- 20:00 - Coro: Las entrañas de Cádiz
- 20:45 - Chirigota: Cádiz, los que van a cantar te la sudan (los disléxicos)
- 21:30 - Comparsa: Las ratas
- 22:15 - Cuarteto: Ku Klux Klan Klan
- 23:00 - Coro: El lado oscuro
- 23:45 - Chirigota: Los calaíta (fuimos a por tabaco)
- 00:30 - Comparsa: El cementerio
- 01:15 - Cuarteto: Un clásico nunca falla
- 02:00 - Coro: Cádiz, el show
- 02:45 - Chirigota: Los James Bond que da gloria verlos
- 03:30 - Comparsa: Los del otro barrio
- 04:15 - Coro: El gallinero
- 05:00 - Chirigota: Los butaneros
- 05:45 - Comparsa: La tribu
The excitement culminates with the announcement of the winners, expected around 6:30 AM after all acts have performed. The jury will evaluate each performance based on creativity, execution, and the ability to resonate with the audience. Only the top ensembles will walk away with the prestigious awards, which they have been striving for throughout the intense competition.
For those unable to attend the live event, various platforms are broadcasting the final. Onda Cádiz TV and Canal Sur will provide extensive coverage, ensuring fans can watch the performances from home or via digital streaming on YouTube and other social media platforms.
The Grand Final not only highlights the artistic talents of Cádiz but also signals the beginning of the open-air carnival celebrations, where the spirit of the community truly shines. The atmosphere outside the theater is buzzing with anticipation as locals and visitors gather to celebrate the culmination of this beloved tradition.
With this year's competition showcasing some of the most remarkable talents seen at the COAC, audiences can expect to witness memorable performances, emotional storytelling, and, as always, the distinct wit characteristic of the Carnival of Cádiz. Get ready for fun, laughter, and poignant social commentary delivered through the vibrancy of music and spectacle tonight!