The festive atmosphere of the Carnival is already palpable in the streets of Tarragona. Behind the grand parade lies intense work often overlooked by spectators. This year, the effort is twofold for Ana Belén Romero, from the comparsa Sinhus Sport, who becomes the first Tarragona Carnival Queen to also lead her own comparsa.
“"I wouldn't say it's pressure, but I want to leave the Tarragona Carnival and its people at the top, where they deserve to be."
The arduous work for the comparsa members begins almost a year in advance. After only 15 days of rest, Sinhus members start brainstorming themes and materials for the following year. The serious work, led by Ana Belén and her husband Paco Fiori, begins around April or May. The Sinhus comparsa is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special fantasy theme.
A similar methodology is followed by Colours Fantasy, chaired by Òscar Urgell, who takes one month of vacation before resuming work. This year, Colours Fantasy chose the animated film The Nightmare Before Christmas, after discarding a broader tribute to the universe of Tim Burton.
“"That the costumes adapt to everyone, from the first to the last. That they feel the music uniformly; but above all, that every single person integrated into Colours Fantasy enjoys themselves and the Carnival party, transmitting that joy to the people enjoying the Rúa."
Following the meticulous hand-made costume creation, the choreography takes center stage. In Sinhus, Ana Belén Romero is responsible for selecting the musical themes. Rehearsals start in late October, coordinating dozens of dancers of all ages, intensifying in the final weeks leading up to the Rúa.
