Party at the Seaside: Carnival of Càdiz

Last weekend we went to Cádiz, for the Carnival, and it was also the first time I’ve ever seen the Atlantic Ocean! I was so freaking happy for seeing a sea (well, ocean) again that I’ve even tried the (extremely-cold-do-not-touch) water and walked barefoot on the beach.

The thing is that I am obsessed with going to the seaside, it’s my every year goal and I make sure I reach it every single summer, not matter where or what. So imagine my happiness on being at the seaside on 1st of March (and not any seaside… the Atlantic Ocean!). Looks like I’m going to have a great time around here.. (ah, Sevilla, why u no have an ocean as well?).

How about the Carnival of Cádiz?

Regarding the famous carnival.. well, I have to admit I was quite disappointed.

At the beginning it was super fun with all the people dressed up as the most unexpected characters, all laughing, singing, dancing, parading on the narrow old streets of Cádiz. I had a great time walking around the city (I was wearing a large pair of green alien sunglasses and was awkwardly popping my head in people’s photos from behind buildings or trees – if you see me in one of your photos, give me a heads up!), trying to guess who’s who, taking pictures with strangers with funny costumes or just watching the overall happy ambiance.

Soon after midnight it all took a disgusting turn, unfortunately. Most of the people were already dead drunk, sleeping and peeing on the streets and there was a lot of mess, dirt and waste thrown everywhere, along with the ugly smells. It all felt so sad. I wonder if those people were really still having fun? Because nothing looked fun anymore, just some people partying out of inertia.

That was enough for us to ruin the fun times, so after taking one more look at the beautiful windy beach and inhaling the clean salted air in the middle of the night, we took the road back home.

But I’ll be back for the seaside, dear Cádiz!