Artigas Municipality to Organize Carnival 2027

Mayor Emiliano Soravilla confirmed that the Departmental Municipality of Artigas will directly take over the organization of Carnival 2027, ending the model under which FEDESA managed much of the event.

The decision was announced at a meeting called with the nine samba schools. Soravilla said the Municipality will take charge of stage infrastructure, ticket sales, advertising, commercial spaces, service tenders, and the administration of Carnival income and expenses.

The samba schools, in turn, will be contracted to take part in the parades and will be able to focus on artistic preparation and the competition.

One of the main goals is to lower ticket prices

One of the main goals set by the mayor is to lower ticket prices.

Soravilla said Artigas Carnival has become expensive for the public and that the new arrangement will give the Municipality greater control over costs and the commercial side of the event.

He also announced that portable toilets will be free for attendees, while services such as sound, food stands, commercial stalls, and other spaces will be awarded through tenders.

The schools will receive guaranteed payment

The Municipality’s proposal includes guaranteeing each school a payment for taking part, which could be higher than what they received during Carnival 2026.

The money would be paid before the parades, giving the groups resources to prepare their performances without relying directly on ticket sales.

Soravilla said Carnival costs approximately $30 million, and that the Municipality currently contributes between $20 million and $22 million through financial transfers and municipal services.

The mayor also assured that the decision does not mean FEDESA will disappear.

The federation can continue operating, and the schools will continue to decide matters related to the rules, the jury, and the competition.

Emperadores and Académicos have already expressed their willingness to take part

According to Soravilla, Emperadores de la Zona Sur and Académicos have already said they are willing to take part in Carnival 2027 under the new system.

The Municipality will now invite the remaining groups to state their positions.

The municipal government also plans to start promoting Carnival earlier, introduce advance ticket sales, offer promotions and packages, and strengthen outreach in other departments across the country.

Carnival will remain on Lecueder Avenue

Carnival 2027 will continue to take place on Lecueder Avenue during the traditional Carnival holiday dates.

Soravilla said the decision for the Municipality to resume organizing Carnival is final, although some financial and operational details still need to be worked out with the schools.

“Carnival is going to happen,” the mayor said.

He said the goal is to make the event more affordable for the people of Artigas, ensure greater transparency in its administration, and attract more visitors from across the country.