comparsa
- noun
- /kəmˈpɑːrsə/
- The two most numerous groups in contemporary carnival are the comparsas (closest cousins to the coro) and the chirigotas.
- comparsas and chirigotas
Examples
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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.
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The local school organized a comparsa to showcase the talents of its students during the annual festival.
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At the festival, the comparsa featured lively performers who sang and danced, celebrating tradition and culture.
Synonyms
A group of Mexican musicians who play traditional songs with guitars and trumpets
A group of musicians and dancers who parade in the street at Carnival in Brazil
A group of musicians who play lively Latin American music
How Big
Surface Forms
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.