Gran Teatro Falla (Grand Theatre Falla), Cadiz

Manuel de Falla y Matheu, a native of Cadiz and celebrated composer of Spain in the 20th century, refused to come home. In the 1930s, dictator Franco had overthrown the Republic of Spain. Manuel had fled to Argentina. Despite many blandishments and offers by the Franco government, Manuel stayed away. He died in Argentina.

The Grand Theatre Falla was named for Manuel de Falla in 1926 when he was at the height of his fame at home. Before this, the theatre was simply called Great Theater (Gran Teatro). The Great Theater building was completed by architect Juan Cabrera de la Torre in 1905. It replaced the wooden Gran Teatro de Cadiz, which had burned in 1881.

The Grand Theatre Falla is built in the Neo-Mudejar style. There are three Massive horseshoe arch entryways with alternating red and white voussoirs. In the vestibule, stairways ascend to "U"-shaped galleries above. The stage is 59 feet wide and 84 feet deep. The house ceiling has an allegory of Paradise by artist Felipe Arbazuza y Rodriguez de Arias.

In February, the Grand Theatre Falla is the venue for the artistic competitions of the flamboyant Carnival of Cadiz. In the remainder of the year, it hosts plays, concerts, and every other type of show.