It does not have the ostentation of the carnival in Rio de Janeiro, nor the tradition of the carnivals in Venice. Perhaps it does not match the popularity of the carnival in Barranquilla, or the media coverage of the festivals in the Argentine countryside. But in Uruguay a unique carnival has just begun: the longest on the planet. From the election of the carnival queens - a spectacle that took place in Montevideo this week - until the moment when the final result of the official contest is announced, back in March, Uruguay enjoys as many shows as possible. In the capital and in the interior, in the most important cities and in the most remote and less populated towns. In each place a stage, in each geographical space at least one day of popular festivities. It is the most popular festival in the country, and its extension not only positions Uruguay in the world context but also gives its 3,5 million inhabitants an opportunity to celebrate at a low cost and with a lot of partying.
The first show of the 2015 carnival was scheduled for January 19, but rain postponed the election of the queens by 24 hours. Thus, a day later, the Teatro de Verano in the Uruguayan capital hosted the election of Carla Florencia Clavijo Silva, 21 years old and representative of the Cordón neighborhood of Montevideo as the 2015 Carnival Queen. The event and all those that will take place in the capital from now on are organized by the Department of Culture of the government of Montevideo. The gala was attended by 2.500 people. Also on Tuesday night, the Queen of the Llamadas was chosen, the young Afro-descendant Romina Reynaldo who will lead each and every one of the drum calls.
These queens and their entourages will be responsible for leading the various parades of the metropolitan carnival. This Thursday, the 22nd, the inaugural parade will take place along the main avenue of Montevideo. A day later, the Parade of Samba Schools will take place also along Avenida 18 de Julio. In February, the call will be from the Sur and Palermo neighborhoods with the Llamadas del candombe, an event attended by the comparsas of blacks and lubolos. Throughout more than 40 days and 40 nights, Uruguay dresses up for a party, its own and achieved through government and private efforts. The municipalities in each city, the mayors in each political division, the central government from its different ministries. All contribute money, structure and human resources so that the stages have their shows, the professionalization is even greater and, ultimately, the quality of the events increases.
The Uruguayan Carnival is characterized by its "spectacle," as promoted worldwide by the Ministry of Tourism and the Montevideo government. These events take place on neighborhood stages—stages, which are becoming fewer each year—or at the Ramón Collazo Summer Theater, where the Official Competition is held. Creative efforts from different artistic disciplines converge in the preparation of these performances: choir, acting, dance, makeup, music, poetry, costume design, among others. The festival is a national heritage and a part of its culture. "The Uruguayan Carnival has transcended the time limits of February to manifest itself year-round in theaters and music venues, and with the drums of candombe music in the streets of every neighborhood in the city. Satire, humor, parody, music, and color mobilize a large circuit of stages that travels through Montevideo's neighborhoods and theaters (Gala Carnival), and has its epicenter in the Carnival group competition, where murgas (murgas), black and lubolo groups, parodists, comedians, and magazines all seek to be crowned by God Momo," explains the Montevideo City Hall.
Source: elmundo.es
