Lorraine Williamson
The Cádiz Three Kings incident unfolded just before the city’s much-loved cabalgata was due to pass through a traffic-free zone packed with families. According to Policía Nacional, a driver allegedly forced his way into the protected area while heavily intoxicated, triggering a scramble for safety among people waiting on the pavement.
Police said the vehicle entered the pedestrian area around 5.15 pm, ahead of the procession, at the junction of Calle Juan Ramón Jiménez and Avenida de Andalucía — a section already closed off for the parade route. Witnesses described moments of confusion and fear as the car knocked down barriers and people moved quickly to avoid being hit.
What police say happened
Officers from the Unidad de Prevención y Reacción (UPR) were already deploying as part of the event’s security operation when they became aware of the vehicle inside the restricted zone. Police said they launched an immediate pursuit as the driver left the official route and headed towards the Bahía Blanca area.
The car reportedly struck several parked vehicles before being intercepted and blocked on Calle Hibiscos, where the driver was detained. Police said the man resisted officers during the arrest.
Arrest and alleged offences
Police said the man was arrested on suspicion of offences including assault on an officer, serious active resistance, damage, and serious disruption to public order.
A breath test returned a reading of 0.8 mg/l, according to the same police account, with Policía Local taking over the traffic-related report. Police also said the detainee later claimed he could not remember what happened due to his level of intoxication.
Why 0.8 mg/l is an extreme reading
Spain’s Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) lists the general limit at 0.25 mg/l in breath (with stricter limits for novice and professional drivers). Put simply, a reading of 0.8 mg/l is far beyond what’s permitted — and, in a crowd setting, the consequences can be immediate.
The DGT’s broader messaging is blunt: there is no “safe” amount of alcohol when you plan to drive.
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A recurring challenge for big street events
Cabalgatas are among the busiest family events in Spain’s calendar, and Cádiz is no exception. Streets are sealed, barriers go up, and police presence is designed to keep the route predictable — because predictability is what makes a dense crowd manageable.
But as this Cádiz Three Kings incident underlines, it only takes one vehicle entering the wrong space to turn a festive wait into a rush of fear. Even without reported injuries, the risk in that moment is obvious: small children, prams, older people, and tightly packed pavements leave little room to react.
Elsewhere in Spain today
Motril (Granada): cabalgata cancelled due to AEMET rain warning.
Canary Islands: several parades suspended because of wind/rain forecasts.
Seville: cornice fell in the city centre; no injuries reported.
San Fernando (Cádiz): Heraldo parade suspended due to rain.
What to watch for at future cabalgatas
For families, the practical takeaway is simple. Stay behind barriers even if there seems to be space. Avoid standing right at junction corners. If police move people back, it’s usually because they’re trying to widen the safe buffer before the parade arrives.
For organisers, the pressure is growing to keep family traditions open and joyful while hardening the perimeter against the unexpected — especially as Spain debates tougher drink-driving thresholds and wider road-safety enforcement.