Carnival 1981

The 1981 Carnival at a glance

The 1981 Carnival belongs to the “Modern Carnival” period of the festival's history. Since 1976: the Carnival gets its name back and becomes a mass celebration. The official poster is the work of Juan Galarza. The Queen's Election Gala was held at Teatro Guimerá, directed by Francisco Hernández Verano with stage design by Alejandro Cabeza.

The 1981 Carnival Queen was Alicia Acosta Álamo with the costume “Reina de Saba”, designed by Justo Gutiérrez, representing Boutique Juan II. Her court was completed by 8 Maids of Honour. Other crowns that year: Children's Queen: Raquel Monzón Concepción.

In Adult murgas, Afilarmónica Triqui-Traques won first prize in Performance (its 2nd title; its first win since 1978), ahead of Los Pilongos. In Children's murgas, Los Rebeldes won first prize in Performance (its 2nd title; its first win since 1976), ahead of Los Piotinos and Los Bambas. In Comparsas, Los Joroperos won first prize in Performance (its first title). In Rondallas and lyrical groups, Orfeón La Paz won first prize in Performance (its 13th title, 5 in a row), ahead of Masa Coral Tinerfeña. In Costume contest, Miguel Delgado Salas won first prize in Individual. In Children's costume contest, María Aranzazu Daroca Núñez won first prize in Individual women's, ahead of Rosa Elda Yagüe Cabeza and Julia de la Barreda Arozana. In Float contest, Carroza de los Niños cantores del viento won first prize in Float contest, ahead of Peña Salamanca and Círculo de Amistad XII de Enero. In Decorated cars, Duende won first prize in Decorated car contest, ahead of Far West.

In total, the 1981 roll of honour records 58 awards in 10 categories. 29 prizes were not awarded or were suspended. Did the jury get it right? Every verdict has its own debate: click “Was it fair?” and have your say.