The Uruguayan Carnival is a spectacle in its own right, a 40 day celebration of music and culture. Within this bonanza, there is a competition held for a style of modern opera called The Murga.

The Murga is a Uruguayan combination of singing, dancing and storytelling. Performers use it as a way to spread news and make observations about life.

The Murga group Agarrate Catalina has dominated the last decade of competition. Their fan base includes Uruguayan president José Mujica who laughed as they poked fun of him on-stage. The group just returned from a world tour that culminated in a performance in China where they preformed for the first time.

Group member Yamandu Cardozo sat down with Elaine Reyes to discuss the art form, the group’s inspirations and how The Murga represents the “voice of the people.”

Modern opera The Murga highlight of Uruguayan Carnival

The Uruguayan Carnival is a spectacle in its own right, a 40 day celebration of music and culture. Within this bonanza, there is a competition held for a style of modern opera called The Murga.