All Saints' Day, or“Todos los Santos”in Spanish, is translated as“Tosantos”in Gaditan, the dialect of Cádiz that tends to slur words.
Cádiz is known throughout Spain for its Carnival. It is a 10-day celebration of Andalusian culture held every February. Above all, it is a time when the people of Cádiz express themselves through songs and satire in their own language, Gaditan. This dialect is difficult for Spaniards who are not native to the province to understand. Under Franco, Carnival was thus a form of free expression of resistance tothe “Caudillo”(Franco’s title for “General”) without the risk of being shot.
Carnival symbolizes the soul of Cádiz, the art of celebrating in all its forms.
“Tosantos”: a celebration held before All Saints’ Day.
The“Tosantos”festival has a special significance here: in 1876, city officials sought ways to revitalize the Central Market—“Mercado Central”—located between Plaza Jiménez and Plaza de la Libertad,right in the heart of the “Casco Antiguo.”
The aim: to attract gaditans to stock up here on the eve of the religious feast of All Saints on November 1.
And so the Market Festival—“Tosantos”—was born, marked by a large public dance held in both squares.
100 years later, in 1977
TheThe Municipal Festival and Market Committee, together with the market merchants’ association, is revamping the“Tosantos”festival.
Shopkeepers are asked to decorate their stalls in the pure tradition of Gaditan protest, as for Carnival: a competition is organized.
The Gaditan spirit, always playful, mischievous and prankster-like, has no trouble getting them to participate. One shopkeeper uses a fish head to represent himself at his stall. Another creates a western scene with a poster of the mayor's face up for grabs...
Everything is fair game for jokes and banter, whether at the stalls of the Central Market or those of the“Virgen del Rosario”Market, which has joined the festivities at “Puerta Tierra” in the city’s more modern neighborhoods.
In all seriousness, this time a panel of judges will vote and award prizes for the best stands in three categories: meat, fish and vegetables.
Just like Carnival, the“Tosantos”festival is also kicked off by a prominent local figure. This year, in 2024, the honor goes to the weather presenter from the local TV station.
“Tosantos”: a new tradition…
This festival has become more than an institution: it's become a new tradition.
A tradition celebrated by the whole family, with children at the center of attention. The stalls are there to entertain them and make them smile. Two seasonal fruits are offered to them and distributed in bags at the market entrances.
... which gets a little lost.
On October 28, 2024, less than 10 of the 34 stands registered took part. Gaditans turned out in force to pass on the spirit of celebration and wonder to their children. So let's sing and dance in front of the markets.
And that's without counting on Halloween...which the gaditans will also be celebrating!
“Claro que sí”! – Of course! The people of Cádiz are eternal children.