The Córdoba Carnival is more intimate than the one in Cádiz (2.5 hours away), but no less authentic. From late January to late February, the city runs through chirigotas and comparsas competing in humour and poetry. The Gran Teatro hosts the official contest where groups of around twelve perform their satirical creations — sharp social commentary delivered with guitars, percussion and the particular Andalusian wit that doesn't translate easily.
Chirigotas and comparsas
Chirigotas (12 people) are the humorous core of the event. Armed with guitars, bombo drums and percussion, they satirise political and social news with jokes that are often genuinely funny. Comparsas (15 members) bring a more lyrical and theatrical approach — more elaborate compositions, more emotion, less punchline. The contrast between the two forms is part of what makes watching the contest interesting.
Less tourist-facing than Cádiz, more local, more family — the Córdoba Carnival has its own rhythm.
The Domingo de Piñata
The streets come alive at weekends with costumed parades, costume contests and spontaneous concerts. The real finale is the Domingo de Piñata, the closing Sunday when decorated floats, masks and singing fill the main streets. The neighbourhoods of Centro and Judería become the main stages for the whole thing.
Practical information
Gran Teatro contest: sessions at 8:00 pm. Street parades on weekend afternoons and evenings. Saturday night and the Domingo de Piñata have the best energy. Book Gran Teatro tickets in advance — they do sell out. Street parades are free and unpredictable. Coming in costume is always welcome.
