The official Desfile de Las Llamadas (Parade of the Drum Calls) is fast approaching in Montevideo. Traditionally, Mundo Afro opens the event. I was curious how this was organized, since things seem to have changed a lot in the last ten years, given the descriptions provided by George Reid Andrews in Blackness in the White Nation. This year, the group that will parade behind the flag of Mundo Afro is comprised of members of other comparsas from various locations throughout Montevideo, including members of the Taller de Percusión Huracán Buceo. The social dynamic in this group is obviously different from watching a group where everyone knows one another very well, and this is equally reflected in the toque (music). But for those who are participating, this is the path to participation in carnival's main event.
The photos and video are from the first rehearsal, taken on January 29.
Drums waiting to be played.
Tuning.
Chico with tacked head. Not common today.
Armando (organizing) the cuerda.
Some chicos:
Pianos with tacked heads.
Dos jefes? Guillermo Ceballos (l) of the Taller and
Alvaro Salas (r) of Mundo Afro.
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