The Carnival of Cadiz as an information, opinion and entertainment generator. A true example of massive communication

El carnaval gaditano, desde sus orígenes hasta hoy, ha generado un volumen de información incalculable. Sus mensajes en forma de coplas, sus autores y las propias agrupaciones carnavalescas han ejercido de agentes socializadores con funciones similares a las de los medios de comunicación. Este periodismo cantado acumula unas particularidades históricas que le otorgan un marcado carácter contestatario. Su papel socializador, así como el de vigilante de los acontecimientos sociales, le han dotado de legitimidad popular para constituirse en un peculiar cuarto poder que, gracias a las redes sociales, trasciende el ámbito local para alcanzar la globalidad.The Carnival of Cadiz, has generated an invaluable volumen of information from its origins to nowadays. Its messages, taking the form of songs, its authors and also the carnival bands themselves have become socializing agents, performing functions similar to the ones performed by the social media. This “sung journalism” represents the sum of several historical features, which award the Carnival of Cadiz a strong controversial nature. Its socializing function, as well as its role as a “social events vigilante” (gatekeeper), have enjoyed popular legitimacy so as to turn into a peculiar “fourth state” that, thanks to its social networking, goes beyond the local sphere and reaches globality.Sin financiación0.101 SJR (2013) Q4, 215/238 Communication, 673/902 History, 832/909 Sociology and political scienceUE