Photos: Sergio Betancort
Before a packed stand, the XXXII Murgas Contest of the Arrecife Carnival was held this Friday, in which Los Simplones won the First Prize for interpretation, lyrics and music, Los Tabletúos with the second prize and Las Vacilonas in third place. A final in which five murgas competed, Las Vacilonas, Intoxicados, Simplones, Tabletuos and Desahuciados. The jury did not have it easy since the level of the carnival groups was very high.
The day was presented immersed in a great atmosphere. First, Las Vacilonas performed, who put on a great show and launched messages in favor of the integration of groups, especially the LGTBI. Subsequently, it was the turn of Los Intoxicados and in third place, Los Simplones. Los Tabletuos starred in one of the most exciting moments, since during their performance they showed their defense towards the care of our elders. Finally, Los Desahuciados closed the final day, a group in which the town crier Ayose Cruz is.
Los Simplones were the winners of the contest. They also won the award for best costumes, with Los Desahuciados second and Los Intoxicados third. The Criticón Award this year went to the murga Los Tabletuos. All the groups demonstrated the hard work carried out over many months and showed some very elaborate designs.
The mayor of the Arrecife City Council, Ástrid Pérez, congratulated the murgas, especially the winner, Los Simplones. The first mayor stressed that "in the Canary Islands a party is not conceived without the murgas, they are in the DNA of the Carnival." She advanced that "her government group will work from now on closely with the murgas and all the carnival groups to ensure that Arrecife has a better Carnival, with better facilities and planning."
The Councilor for Celebrations, José Alfredo Mendoza, highlighted the show performed by the five murgas. "Last night, the participants gave us unique moments. All of them have worked for a long time and have shown us their great repertoire in just half an hour. They have set the bar very high, but I am sure that next year they will surprise us again."
