Sommaire
- 1.What a comparsa is (definition, group size, role in the Coso)
- 2.How the competition works (jury, criteria, adult and junior categories)
- 3.The costumes (budget, making, imposed annual theme)
- 4.A comparsa's calendar (rehearsals September → February)
- 5.How to see comparsas outside the Coso (open rehearsals, intermediate competitions)
- 6.Going further (where to find results, groups to follow)
Comparsas are at the heart of Tenerife Carnival. Here is everything you need to know before attending the Gran Coso.
1
What a comparsa is (definition, group size, role in the Coso)
A comparsa is an organised, competitive dance group. Each group has between 80 and 200 people (dancers and musicians). They parade with synchronised choreography to upbeat music, often with batucada percussion.
In the Gran Coso Apoteosis, comparsas are the groups that dance the most and wear the most elaborate costumes. They represent the Brazilian side of Tenerife Carnival.
2
How the competition works (jury, criteria, adult and junior categories)
There is an official competition with a jury. The main judging criteria are:
- choreography,
- synchronisation,
- costume quality,
- energy on stage.
There are adult and junior categories. Groups go through several rounds: heats, semi-finals and final. The competition is held at the Recinto Ferial before the Coso.