With a good turnout of the public that filled the facilities by 80%, troupes that were able to show themselves in all their splendor, and the confirmation of important works in progress such as the bidding for the first stage of the stands; this is how the 2018 edition of the Concordia Carnival began.
Minutes before 10:30 p.m. this Saturday, January 20, the official inauguration took place. The traditional ribbon-cutting was performed by Mayor Enrique Cresto, the Secretary General of the Government Edgardo Kueider, and the provincial Secretary of Tourism and Culture Carolina Gaillard. Along with Vice Mayor Armando Gay, the president of the Carnival Entity Matías Soto, the Municipal Secretary of Government and Tourism Alfredo Francolini, the provincial Event Coordinator Eduardo Rodríguez, among other authorities, and the queens of the troupes.
During the inauguration, a special recognition was given to Bella Samba and Ráfaga, which are celebrating 10 and 20 years of passion respectively. In addition, the granddaughter and relatives of Atanasio Bonfliglio, a historic carnival figure of the city, in whose honor the local Corsódromo is named, were present. Mayor Cresto congratulated the Entity, the various municipal departments, and the four competing troupes that have worked intensely to carry out this festival that grows year by year, he noted. He also highlighted the accompaniment of Edgardo Kueider and Carolina Gaillard and the support of Governor Gustavo Bordet for the festival.
After the ribbon-cutting and before the start of the show, a delegation from the Little Elves Carnival, specially integrated by the ADUC Troupe, paraded down the Corsódromo track and received thunderous applause from all attendees.
Works that strengthen the carnival
There were many factors that contributed to experiencing a first night that the organization described as "sensational." The various improvements made to the site, such as the construction of internal sidewalks for greater comfort for those attending the stands sector, improvements to the float transport circuit, and the construction of the platform for the Drum Section and its Queen at the beginning of the track, were some of the most visible.
Own stands for the Corsódromo
In that context, Mayor Cresto confirmed to the media that "the bidding process for the construction of the Corsódromo stands is underway." Indeed, the specifications are already available for the companies that will build the concrete stands in the central sector, in front of the VIP sector, which will be the beginning of a larger-scale project that includes restrooms and workshops for the troupes.
Another aspect that contributed to making this first carnival moon sensational is the decision made by the municipality to deliver the advance on prizes to the troupes well in advance (last October), which was reflected in the fact that each of the groups was able to arrive at the debut night better prepared and surprising on the track.
The competition
This year, there are four troupes that will parade each week. The competition between each one is what brings a distinct and special, passionate plus to our carnival. And that was reflected. Bella Samba showed delicately crafted floats and shone with its Queen, Sofía Camará, who was once again a sensation at the Corsódromo. Imperio's front troupe combined a theatrical and carnival staging, affirming a distinctive mark of this troupe, with very well-crafted costumes and precise choreographic movements. Ráfaga displayed its twenty years of love and championships, inviting the audience to tour the main carnivals of the world. And the title defender, Emperatriz, shone in a daring Carnival Opera, closing a night in which the weather was favorable, leaving inaugurated an edition that confirms the aesthetic, artistic, and organizational growth of the Concordia carnival.
There are many nights ahead to foresee possible winners after the first parade. The party has just begun and it has done so in the best way. Managing to capture the attention of tourists from different cities, as confirmed by the presence in the stands of visitors from cities in the province of Buenos Aires, Jujuy, Córdoba, Corrientes, Santa Fe, and different towns in Entre Ríos. And the coverage by media from all over the province, especially from Paraná.