The traditional Carnival Opening Parade and Calls Parade are the main attractions of the Uruguayan Carnival. Groups as varied as murgas, comparsas, humorists, parodists and revues gather to make a grand opening for the carnival season and welcome God Momus’ reign.
Besides serving as an introduction to the Carnival Competition groups vie for several prizes. This year, between the main prizes and special mentions, around USD 25000 and USD 40000 were given at the Opening Parade and Calls Parade, respectively.
Opening Parade Winners
Along the Opening Parade’s route a jury of five per category is in charge of grading the groups’ performance in the following areas: wardrobe, accessories and design; movement and displacement of the group; joy and communication of the groups; creativity and ingenuity in service of the show and global vision of the parade.
The prizes are decided by selecting the highest score following the Olympic system: after removing the highest and lowest scores the sum of the remaining three is the final score, with a maximum of 228 points. The ensuing ranking is publicly available at the Montevideo City Council’s webpage (“Official Parade of Carnival Groups 2011 Competition General Rules”, Montevideo City Council, February 10 2011).
La Trasnochada won as best murga with 183 points leaving newcomers Metele que son Pasteles twelve points behind in second place. La Bolilla que Faltaba barely secured third place by one point from La Cofradía and by four points from La Gran Muñeca.
The best comparsa was Tronar de Tambores earning 202 points. Eighteen points behind a tie between Yambo Kenia and Sarabanda left both comparsas in second place. The third place was not awarded because of the tie, leaving Mi Morena in fourth place after a gap of eleven points.
The humorists’ category crowned Cyranos with the first prize after getting 179 points, followed by Los Virgilios with 172 and Los Chobys with 170. Los Muchachos were the best parodists with 176 points, with one point less Zingaros earned second place and third Caballeros with 161. Finally, the best revue was Feelings with 184 points, thirteen points less left La Compañia in second place with Madame Gotica just securing third place by a single point.
Opening Parade Special Mentions
Rafael Antognazza, from murga A Contramano, was awarded best scenic director whereas best murga percussion was awarded to Momolandia. The best humorists’ character was Virgilio, portrayed by Mauricio Suarez but the best parodists’ character prize wasn’t awarded. Still, a special mention was given to Maxi Orta from murga La Trasnochada for his portrayal of Montevideo’s mayor Ana Olivera. Lastly, the best revue dancers’ group award was given to category winner Feelings. A special mention was given to the floats Ave Fénix (Phoenix Bird) and Comunicaciones (Comunications) created by the Carnival Museum and the Cabildo Female Prison.
Calls Parade Winners
The Calls Parade jury in charge of grading is distributed between three different areas. Five judges per area grade: cuerda de tambores (drummers); dancers and wardrobe, makeup and global vision. It also follows the Olympic system and therefore the maximum score is 450 points. The final ranking is available online at the Montevideo City Council’s webpage (“Calls Parade 2011 Competition General Rules”, Montevideo City Council, February 10 2011).
Elumbé won first prize with 422 points, second place belonged to Sarabanda with 403 points and third place to Tronar de Tambores with 398. Right behind, with 396 points Yambo Kenia was awarded fourth place. La Gozadera took fifth place, a single point before La Figari in sixth place. Las cuerdas de Ejido and C 1080, separated by two points got seventh and eigth place while Zumbae and Triniboa came in ninth and tenth place.
Calls Parade Individual Prizes and Special Mentions
Candongafricana members Alba Blanco Amado and Ivan Acevedo earned the awards for best Mama Vieja (Old Mother) and Gramillero (Herb Man) respectively; the best Escobero (Stick Holder) was Gustavo Verlangieri from C 1080. Best Vedette was awarded to Lola Acosta from Senegal and best male dancer to Amilcar Suarez from La Gozadera.
The award for best emblem holder wasn’t given; regardless, Gabriel Antonio Larrama from Tronar de Tambores received the award for best flag bearer. Winner Elumbé also secured the awards for best dancers and best cuerda de tambores (drummers).
Special mentions were given to the career of Faustina Avelino (Tía Tina) from Sarabanda, to the young promise Jonathan Suarez from Integración, to the visual vision of La Tangó and the craft applied by Uráfrica to the drums and emblems.
Pablo Rasilla - He is currently an undergraduate in Computer Engineering at the State University of Uruguay. Besides, he has studied English for more than ...
