The Guimerá Theater once again hosted La Canción de la Risa, the most uproarious and entertaining contest of the Santa Cruz Carnival. Los Esc@ndinabos, I don’t have the chichi pa’farollilos – returning to the contest this year – Los Legías, Los Cartoonos se van de bonalera, Los Quijotes de la Guancha, Los Cornucas Atómicos – champions of the previous edition – and Las Gediondas graced the stage to bring joy and laughter to the audience, which was the epitome of the evening’s purpose. Manón Marichal, the brain behind the contest, reflects on the almost 20 years of this unique event.
-How did The Laughter Song originate?
“It was a tough year in terms of criticism within the murgas, although I was part of Singuangos, one of the most critical murgas that the Carnival has witnessed, I have always leaned more towards humor and irony. Given the prevalent criticism that year, I felt compelled to organize a competition, even if it was small, where only humor mattered. In 2005, I discussed this with José Carlos Acha and in 2006, along with Bruno Piqué, I launched the competition.”
-What stands out from that inaugural edition?
“The standard was considerably lower compared to what it is today, but it was well received and brought about much laughter. Los Hijos de Juda emerged victorious, as far as I recall, led by Jose Antonio El Flaco. I enjoyed it and decided to continue.”
-Has the competition evolved significantly since then?
“Now all the ensembles form a united front, particularly the veteran ones. The atmosphere is not as competitive as in other contests, rather it is about people having a good time. After the performances, they always come together behind the theater, resembling a celebratory gathering. The standards have elevated in terms of presentation and interpretation. The ticket sales commenced on Thursday, and from Wednesday night there were queues of people waiting to purchase tickets, indicating the public’s appreciation.”
-Has it always received the same level of acceptance?
“It is true that it has now garnered television coverage, attracted media interest, and received extensive publicity on social media. However, from the outset, it was embraced due to being a distinct contest. Each year, the popularity has grown, and I am confident it will continue to do so, especially with the wholehearted support of Festival councilor Javier Caraballero this year, the response has been phenomenal.”
-Could the Guimerá Theater accommodate a larger audience for the competition?
“I would prefer not to. I am exploring the possibility of introducing initial phases and a final round, which would allow more people to attend, but for that, we need more groups. The Guimerá Theater holds a special allure during the Carnival, being the birthplace of the contests from yesteryears. On one occasion, we held it at the Fairgrounds due to unavailability of the theater, and the difference was palpable; it was quite chilly and we attempted to recreate a small theater within the Fairgrounds, but it didn’t quite succeed. Nevertheless, we are looking for ways to accommodate more attendees.”
-Do you think the contest could survive without your involvement?
“Absolutely, I would even be disappointed if it couldn’t. What I am certain of is that no one will invest the same level of passion as I do. However, the contest is sustained by the ensembles, I am merely the intermediary who entertains and engages the audience between performances. Undoubtedly, there are better hosts than me, but I doubt anyone would infuse it with as much affection as I do, because the contest and the ensembles are like my children.”
-What does it mean to you to have become a landmark of the carnival?
“It is overwhelming. I have always worked within the media, and now the tables have turned. For me, witnessing an 83-year-old lady standing outside the Guimerá Theater at five in the morning to purchase a ticket is the greatest accolade I could receive. It is extraordinary, and to top it off, the audience award for the past few years has been named the Manón Marichal Alayón Award. So, if the contest endures, my name will be associated with it, which holds immense value as it signifies recognition of your dedication and labor.”.
