Carnival 2003

The 2003 Carnival at a glance

The 2003 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. Its theme was “El Lejano Oriente”. The official poster is the work of Donald Baechler. The Queen's Election Gala was held at Plaza de España, directed by Sergio García with stage design by Paco Bello.

The 2003 Carnival Queen was Natalia Díaz Mesa with the costume “Láquesis”, designed by Santi Castro, representing Centro Comercial Carrefour. Her court was completed by 10 Maids of Honour. Other crowns that year: Children's Queen: Syra de León Torres and Senior Queen: Menita Ramos Rodríguez.

In Adult murgas, Los Bambones won first prize in Performance (its 3rd title; its first win since 2001), ahead of Los Chinchosos and Los Diablos Locos. In Children's murgas, Los Rebeldes won first prize in Performance (its 3rd title; its first win since 1981), ahead of Los Melositos and Los Chinchositos. In Comparsas, Los Joroperos won first prize in Performance (its 7th title, 5 in a row), ahead of Tropicana and Los Cariocas. In Rondallas and lyrical groups, Orfeón La Paz won first prize in Performance (its 27th title, 5 in a row), ahead of Unión Artística El Cabo and Lírico Coral Los Aceviños. In Musical groups, Caña Dulce won first prize in Performance (its 10th title, 2 in a row), ahead of Chaxiraxi and Salsarengue. In Children's costume contest, Carey Díaz Cruz won first prize in Individual women's, ahead of Paula García Pérez and Andrea Hernández Aguilar. In Float contest, Carroza de Jesús Domingo Sabina Santana Las Chafiras won first prize in Float contest, ahead of Carroza de Antonio Canino Cáceres and Carroza de Guillermo Garrote Gómez. In Decorated cars, José Díaz Negrín won first prize in Decorated car contest, ahead of Jesús León Díaz.

In total, the 2003 roll of honour records 92 awards in 12 categories. 24 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.