Cádiz Carnival: 'El Yuyu' Slams Tenerife Group

Tenerife's Carnival is known for its "murgas," a type of satirical singing group, unlike Cádiz, which features "chirigotas." So, when a group from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, called Los Legías con G, performed at Cádiz's official Carnival contest (COAC) in the Falla Theater, it certainly got people talking. Their performance left many speechless, and not in a good way. Two weeks later, 'El Yuyu,' a highly respected carnival performer and composer, openly criticized them, adding fuel to the debate between the two carnival traditions.

The group, dressed as legionaries, traveled from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Cádiz for COAC 2026. For their leader, Fran Trillo, who also leads the "Song of Laughter" group in Tenerife's carnival, it was a dream come true to perform at the famous Falla Theater. However, the experience turned out to be anything but perfect.

Humberto Gonar, a journalist for eldia.es, described their act as "almost half an hour of an agonizing performance." The group's style was very different from what's expected of a traditional chirigota. Critics noted that their performance seemed to mix "two or three styles," with their songs (pasodobles and cuplés) and overall repertoire not fitting the chirigota format.

José Guerrero Roldán, better known as 'El Yuyu,' is a highly influential and famous figure in the Cádiz Carnival. When he performs or offers criticism, the Falla Theater listens intently. This respect is well-earned: 'El Yuyu' has won COAC twice, secured seven second-place finishes, and reached many other finals. His impressive history explains the huge excitement surrounding his return to the contest last year after a 15-year break.

Naturally, his chosen theme for this year's contest generated immense interest. His group, 'Los que van a coger papas' (Those who are going to pick up potatoes), was a chirigota inspired by last year's papal conclave. On stage, dressed as cardinals, they blessed the Falla Theater and the Carnival itself. However, they almost "excommunicated" the chirigota from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in what became one of the most talked-about moments of the evening.

'El Yuyu' then delivered one of the harshest parts of his act, aimed directly at Fran Trillo's "legionaries." This criticism cleverly fit with the Tenerife group's Roman-inspired costumes. Dressed as a cardinal, 'El Yuyu' stood before the Falla audience and read a "passage" from the scriptures, titled "Letter of the Apostle Saint Paul to the Romans of Tenerife." His expressive gestures clearly conveyed the feeling of Cádiz: a resounding "what a situation."

Amidst widespread laughter, he recited: "Dear brothers... At that time, Jesus said, after watching the performance of the Romans of Tenerife on Onda Galilea: Dear Romans, I am going to shut up because I am a Christian." This line brought a thunderous ovation from the audience, who cheered 'El Yuyu' for his clear, ironic, and humorous criticism, which became one of the most talked-about moments of COAC 2026.

The Cádiz audience instantly connected with his performance. It once again proved why 'El Yuyu' is known for sharp satire, precise criticism, and bringing laughter to the Falla Theater, brilliantly combining Carnival spirit, wit, and controversy into a truly memorable night.

The performance by the chirigota Los Legías con G at COAC certainly left a lasting impression. While a few might remember it positively, most will recall it negatively, making it one of the most controversial and discussed acts of the entire contest.