Comparsa

For the Deep Forest album, see Comparsa (album).

Comparsa on the streets of Maturín, Venezuela.

A comparsa is a group of singers, musicians and dancers that take part in carnivals and other festivities in Spain and Latin America. Its precise meaning depends on the specific regional celebration. The most famous comparsas are those that participate in the Carnival of Santiago de Cuba. In Brazil, comparsas are called carnival blocks, as those seen in the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro and other Brazilian carnivals. In the US, especially at the New Orleans Mardi Gras, comparsas are called krewes, which include floats.

Argentina

In Argentina, comparsas are very similar to the Brazilian carnival blocks, being followed by carriages.

Cuba

See also: Conga (music)

Cuban comparsas originate in the eastern part of the island, specifically in the streets of Santiago de Cuba. Comparsas are groups of singers, musicians and dancers. The singers and musicians form part of the conga, the ensemble that specifically plays the carnival music (a genre also called conga). The rest of the comparsa is formed by dancers with defined costumes and choreographies. Apart from the large Carnival of Santiago de Cuba, there is a carnival in Havana with slightly different customs. Famous comparsas from Santiago include Los Hoyos, Paso Franco, Guayabito, San Agustín, San Pedrito and Alto Pino. Famous comparsas from Havana include La Sultana, El Alacrán and Guaracheros de Regla.

Spain

File:Carnaval de Malaga 1925 comparsa Pescadores Calabreses Bonitos Tangos.jpg

1925 book of songs by the Pescadores Calabreses comparsa from the Carnival of Málaga, Spain.

In Spain, the term comparsa can have different meanings depending on the celebration.

Cádiz

In Cádiz, comparsas are groups of singers that take part in the Carnival of Cádiz. They sing comedy routines and the best comparsa is chosen in a contest. Other ensembles can also be found at the carnival, such as chirigotas, coros de carnaval, and cuartetos carnavalescos.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

In the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, comparsas are similar to Brazilian carnival blocks.

Uruguay

In Uruguay, a comparsa makes reference to a group of candombe dancers and drummers.