Carnival and Holy Week in Cadiz
The February Carnival in Cadiz is one of the oldest and best known carnivals that takes place in Spain. This carnival constitutes an international tourist attraction, and, people from all over come to enjoy and participate in its costumes and popular songs (even other Spaniards have a hard time understanding the comical lyrics). 
Fourty days after carnival ends, in March or April, Holy Week takes place. This Catholic celebration is a dramatic contrast to the pagan carnival. During Holy Week, thousands of Gaditanos parade rich baroque images of the Virgin and Jesus through its streets, accompanied by chamber music and the smell of flowers and frankincense. The carnation petal rain with which the Virgin of La Palma is received is specially striking.
