Representatives of the Concordia Carnival spoke, one week before the start of the parades, about the social importance and the economic development opportunity that the festival represents for the city at this time. "Today more than ever we must hold the Carnival, because there are many people who work and it means an economic income for their families," agreed the presidents of the Comparsas consulted.
At the same time, Timón, Duimovich, and Contavalle were surprised by some expressions on social media calling for the suspension of the event due to the rising of the Uruguay River. "There are people who do not know everything that the carnival is and means," they said. "The Carnival is tourism, it is social support, and it is an opportunity to move forward," they highlighted.
"I was looking at social media and a conflict was generated between the flood and the carnival, that is why I want to say that there are many families who have been working for a long time in the preparation of their costumes, and the carnival is a very important tourist proposal for the city," expressed Leo Contavalle, president of the Bella Samba Comparsa.
The leader of the multicolor group pointed out that they are not oblivious to the situation that many families in Concordia are going through with the rising of the river. "I was meeting with the members of the Batería, and there are several kids who have their families affected by the rising of the river. They told me that they had been helping their relatives move furniture and with the move in the afternoon, and then they went to the Batería rehearsal," he says, making it clear that these are not two separate realities. "And they want to go out, they want the Carnival to start," he added.
Similar words were expressed by "Chicky" Duimovich, president of the Ráfaga Comparsa. "We are very worried about what is being experienced. We believe that the peak of the flood has arrived, we do not know how long the river will be like this. But it would be a pity to lose such a beautiful festival, in which work is done throughout the year, to present a good show, so that tourism comes and returns to our city," she said.
"I have members who are in this situation, and they are trusting that this situation will be overcome soon, the Mayor put all his effort into attending to the affected families. And we, the Comparsas, are collaborating in this situation, helping those who are affected by the flood," expressed the leader of the multi-champion from La Bianca.
"We also have people who are flooded in our group. And despite being sad about this situation they are going through, the Carnival is a support and they are waiting for the moment when the parades begin, to have moments of joy," said Cristian Timón, president of the Imperio Comparsa, for his part.
"Public opinion that does not know in detail what the Carnival is like, gets confused and confuses others," considered the imperial leader. And he told what the internal life process of his Comparsa is like, which is very similar to that of the remaining carnival groups.
"We finished the 2018 edition, and starting in April, May, we already started working on the 2019 Carnival. Seven months before, work begins, and the members start to carry out different activities to raise money and be able to make their costumes. In addition, we do a whole job of support, there are kids who, by joining the Batería, have left the streets. In addition to the artistic proposal, there is a whole social work that is carried out," he stressed.
The Carnival is an industry that generates work
"The Concordia Carnival is tourism," assured Timón. "It is one of the two best carnivals in the country, and if we attract tourists it means producing money for the people of Concordia. There are many people who work around the carnival, the whole city works around the carnival," he assured. "The Carnival is the biggest festival in the city, and we cannot deprive the city of this festival. Because it is an industry, it means work for many people," he emphasized.
"It is not that the Mayor forgets about the flood victims and takes money from the aid for the flood victims and puts it into the Carnival. There is work by the Comparsas, the sponsors, people who invest, the members themselves, there is a whole lot of work behind it for a long time," he said.
"There are many families who have their economic income from the Carnival," added Contavalle, making it clear that a suspension of the event would mean leaving many people without their income and losing an opportunity for the continued development of the city.
Solidary Comparsas
This Monday and Tuesday, the Sound Checks of the Comparsas will take place starting at 9:00 PM at the "Atanasio Bonfiglio" Corsódromo. Several of the members, dancers, and performers will also participate in what will result in a virtual general rehearsal. It is held with free admission. In this context, some of the Comparsas are calling on those who attend to see the show to bring donations of non-perishable food, clothing, and cleaning supplies, which will be delivered to the families affected by the flood.