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comparsa

comparsa

9.9
A group of singers, dancers, and musicians who perform together at a carnival
  • noun
  • /kəmˈpɑːrsə/
translation icon : comparsa
  • The two most numerous groups in contemporary carnival are the comparsas (closest cousins to the coro) and the chirigotas.
  • comparsas and chirigotas

Examples

  • A children's comparsa was called "El Mundo Mágico" (Magic World), and each child was costumed as a Little Prince singing of the magic world of carnival.

    Academic text (1998)
  • The comparsa is a much more formal affair than the chirigota.

    Academic text (1998)
  • In the world of carnival, however, comparsas and chirigotas are considered quite distinct and serve different purposes.

    Academic text (1998)
  • Overall, groups in the middle categories (comparsas and chirigotas) are more numerous.

    Academic text (1998)
  • During the carnival, the colorful comparsa danced through the streets, captivating everyone with their music and vibrant costumes.

  • The local school organized a comparsa to showcase the talents of its students during the annual festival.

  • At the festival, the comparsa featured lively performers who sang and danced, celebrating tradition and culture.

Synonyms

mariachi
vscomparsa
19 8.2

A group of Mexican musicians who play traditional songs with guitars and trumpets

include singers and dancers as a mixed performing group
bloco
vscomparsa
  • UK
8.9

A group of musicians and dancers who parade in the street at Carnival in Brazil

are found in Spanish-speaking countries rather than in Brazil
banda
vscomparsa
  • US
5.8

A group of musicians who play lively Latin American music

include singers and dancers as part of the performing group

How Big

company
168 3.5
troupe
41 4.4
comparsa
9.9
ensemble
57 5.3
trio
65 2.7
duo
75 2.8
soloist
23 4.7

Surface Forms

comparsa singular
comparsas plural

Etymology

Comparsa comes from Spanish and Italian parts: com- 'together' plus -parsa, which is related to the idea 'to appear' (like the English word 'appear'). So a comparsa is a group who 'appear together', which makes sense for a team of singers, dancers, and musicians at a carnival.