Amidst colorful costumes, music, and the rhythm of various neighborhood and township Comparsas that made the attendees dance, Mayor Renán Barrera Concha inaugurated the “Festival Algarabía,” where citizens of all ages will enjoy a wide program of activities as a prelude to Carnival Mérida 2024.
“In the framework of the second edition of the ‘Carnival Spirit’ celebrations, Mérida begins today to enjoy a festive atmosphere that, in the coming months, will open spaces for joy, innovation, the promotion of local talent, creativity, economic opportunities, and tourism promotion, leading up to Carnival 2024,” he said.
During the inauguration of the “Festival Algarabía,” held at the Town Hall, the Mayor mentioned that, for the first time, the “Fashion Fest” Carnival will be held, an international event that will provide young fashion design students the opportunity to present themselves on a professional runway with a carnival theme.
“Culture, innovation, and the economy were the three premises of Carnival Mérida 2023, which we will continue to promote for the benefit of the creative industries,” he stated.
In that regard, he reported that Carnival Mérida 2023 generated an economic impact of approximately 538 million pesos that directly and indirectly benefited over 115 economic activities. Additionally, the 2023 edition recorded a total attendance of 950,000 people, a 28% increase compared to the attendance reported in 2020.
“Carnival Mérida is an internationally appealing celebration that combines fun, culture, the economy, tourism, and sustainability, so we will continue working harder to consolidate the internationalization of its carnival festivities,” he emphasized.
Also, accompanied by artistic groups and comparsas from neighborhoods and townships that came to Plaza Grande to fill the event with joy, the Mayor presented the theme of Carnival Mérida 2024, “Re-evolution: from fantasy to innovation,” which will take place from February 7 to 14 at Ciudad Carnaval, as the fairgrounds in Xmatkuil are known.
As part of the “Festival Algarabía” inauguration, there was a parade featuring representative comparsas from neighborhoods and townships, bringing joy and entertainment to the attendees at this event aimed at the economic recovery of the entertainment sector.
Another highlight of the night was the video presentation of the “Momoes,” who are messengers of King Momo tasked with spreading the carnival spirit and preserving the tradition. The official song “Carnaval es felicidad” (Carnival is happiness) was also presented with musical fireworks.
The night concluded with a concert by the musical group “Muziek,” on 63rd Street with 60th Street. Thousands of Mérida residents, gathered there and danced to music from the 70s and 80s.
Finally, joining the Mayor at the inauguration of the “Festival Algarabía” were Beatriz Gomory Correa, President of the Mexican Employers’ Confederation (COPARMEX); Jorge Alberto Moreno González, President of the National Chamber of the Clothing Industry, Yucatán Delegation (CANAIVE); Oscar Cambranes Basulto, Executive Secretary of the Permanent Committee of Carnival Mérida; Enrique Saidén Pérez, Canaco Servytur Mérida Specialized Section, and Claudia González Góngora, President of the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry, Yucatán Delegation (CANIRAC). Also present were federal and state deputies, municipal directors, and council members.
TYT Newsroom
