Dozens of Stephen Hawking performers dance in wheelchairs and stroll the streets for charity
During the Carnival of Cádiz, a Spanish chirigota group called “Una chirigota en teoría” drew international attention by performing as Stephen Hawking in motorised wheelchairs
A Spanish carnival group dressed as Stephen Hawking in Cádiz(Image: ONDA CÁDIZ CARNAVAL/FACEBOOK)
A questionable yet entertaining scene unfolded on Wednesday (January 14), when a dozen of Stephen Hawkings strolled through the streets of Cádiz, Spain. A Spanish carnival group (chirigota), named “Una chirigota en teoría”, garnered international attention during the Carnival of Cádiz for their tribute to the late physicist.
The ensemble performed as part of the 2026 Official Contest of Carnival Groups at the Gran Teatro Falla. All 12 members invovled were characterised as Stephen Hawking, remaining seated in motorised wheelchairs throughout their routine.
According to reports, the performers are not actually real wheelchair users. They are able-bodied carnival performers.
Despite the debatable show, the group announced they would donate all 12 electric wheelchairs used in their stage production to people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Spanish media outlet La Sexta reported.
The initiative was coordinated with the association ELA Andalucía to ensure the equipment reached patients who need them most. While some observers may have raised their eyebrows, the group’s gesture has reportedly been widely praised on social media for translating their artistic “tipo” (costume/character) into direct social benefit.
All 12 members reportedly navigated the historic, cobbled streets of Cádiz in their motorised wheelchairs. As per local news reports, their presence in the streets “revolutionised” the city, drawing massive attention from crowds who gathered to see their unique characterisation of Hawking.
The troop reportedly traveled from their meeting point through the “adoquines” (paving stones) of the old town directly to the doors of the theater for their 1:15 AM slot. According to local news, the group spent two months practicing in the wheelchairs to master the difficult task of singing while remaining perfectly still and seated.
The group’s performance was subsequently praised for its sensitivity, having worked closely with the ALS association to ensure their routine was respectful while maintaining the traditional satirical spirit of the Cádiz Carnival. Hawking died from complications of ALS, also known as Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
The theoretical physicist passed away on March 14, 2018, at the age of 76. His death was a significant medical anomaly, as he lived with the condition for 55 years despite being given only two years to live at the time of his diagnosis at age 21.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that destroys the motor neurons responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements. Most patients die within three to five years of diagnosis.
Hawking’s survival for five decades is considered extremely rare (less than 5% of patients survive 20 years) and is attributed to his young age at onset and a particularly slow-progressing form of the disease. While his family described his passing as “peaceful”, the most common ultimate cause of death for ALS patients is respiratory failure or related infections like pneumonia, as the muscles that support breathing eventually fail.
There is no known cure for ALS. However, the medical landscape has shifted significantly in the last two years, with several treatments now available that can slow the disease’s progression or stabilise symptoms for specific patient groups, the Mayo Clinic explains.
In addition to Hawking, several high-profile individuals have shared their journeys with ALS recently, including Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane, and the Zac Brown Band founding member John Driskell Hopkins, who revealed his diagnosis in 2022 and continues to perform as of early 2025.
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