The Uruguayan capital, Montevideo, and the city of San José de Mayo are currently immersed in the vibrant celebrations of Carnival, with the National Contest of Murgas and Humorists serving as a central attraction. The contest, a cornerstone of Uruguayan Carnival tradition, is unfolding at the ex-AFE station in San José, drawing significant public attendance, according to reports from local media.
The contest’s schedule, released earlier this month, indicates a packed program of performances. , saw performances by Murga La Diabla from Santa Lucía (Canelones), Murga Que Gentuza from Ciudad de la Costa (Canelones), and Golpe y Quedo from Fray Bentos (Río Negro). , featured Humoristas Bastoneros from Las Piedras (Canelones), Murga La Vecina de Magoya from Maldonado, and Murga Tras Cartón from Florida. The performances continued on , with Humoristas Pantarrey from Mercedes (Soriano), Murga La Farola from Treinta y Tres, and Murga Se Va La Combi from Maldonado taking the stage.
The weekend saw a further escalation in the festivities. , hosted Humoristas Los Rebeldes from Mercedes (Soriano), Murga La Malcriada from San José de Mayo, Murga Con Gusto No Pica from Mercedes (Soriano), and Murga Los Fantasmas Se Divierten from San Carlos (Maldonado). , showcased Humoristas Ridens from San José de Mayo, Murga La Desafinada from Durazno, and Murga Las Fritas from Mercedes (Soriano).
Yesterday, , featured performances by Murga Nueva Barriada from San Carlos (Maldonado), Murga Pimienta y Sal from San José de Mayo, and Murga Vieja Diabla from San Carlos (Maldonado). The celebrations in San José also included a parade along Libertad Avenue, adding to the city’s festive atmosphere.
The contest is set to culminate with the final round taking place from to . The winners will be announced and awarded prizes on , marking the official conclusion of the competition.
A jury comprised of four experts is evaluating the performances. Víctor Miraballes is assessing voices, musicality, arrangements, and diction. Fernando Esteche is focusing on texts, interpretation, expression, and artistic quality. Eugenia Llorens is judging vestimenta (costumes), makeup, and scenography. Adriana Do Reis is evaluating the puesta en escena (staging), movement, and dance.
Uruguayan Carnival is a deeply ingrained cultural tradition, distinct from the more widely known Brazilian Carnival. While both share roots in pre-Lenten celebrations, the Uruguayan version emphasizes social and political satire, particularly through the performances of *murgas* – groups that combine music, dance, and theatrical performance to deliver often-pointed commentary on current events. The *murgas* are known for their elaborate costumes, witty lyrics, and energetic performances.
The *Concurso Nacional de Murgas y Humoristas* is a nationally televised event, attracting a broad audience across Uruguay. It serves as a platform for both established and emerging artists, and plays a significant role in shaping public discourse during the Carnival season. The event’s location in San José de Mayo, a city outside the capital, highlights the Carnival’s importance as a national, rather than solely metropolitan, celebration.
The Carnival season in Uruguay typically runs from late January to mid-February, culminating in a series of parades and performances. Beyond the *murgas*, other key elements of the Uruguayan Carnival include *desfiles* (parades) featuring elaborate floats and costumes, *tablados* (stages) set up in various neighborhoods for live performances, and *candombe* – a traditional Afro-Uruguayan music and dance form.
The ongoing contest in San José de Mayo is a key indicator of the health and vitality of Uruguayan cultural traditions. The event’s continued success underscores the enduring appeal of *murgas* and their ability to reflect and comment on the social and political landscape of the country. The final days of the contest are expected to draw even larger crowds, as Uruguayans prepare to celebrate the culmination of another vibrant Carnival season.
