Las Tablas Carnival: Tradition and Rivalry

Then came the rocket launch that filled the sky with smoke and thunder. Colorful dresses in the sun, passionate followers, and that tension that can only be felt in Las Tablas during the 'topón'. On the contrary, they spoke of good sales and streets full until dawn. The carnival is leaving, but the rivalry does not rest. This is how a carnival closes, with a clean rivalry and a living tradition. Among mocking banners and sung barbs, satire also had its place. When the two 'tunas' (groups) met in the park, the sky turned gray. Then, the formal encounter between the two 'tunas' took place, amidst the noise, tension, and shouts of their followers. Rockets, fire, and smoke covered the square in seconds. The next battle is already being cooked. Even less so the thick smoke that got everywhere. The 'topón' is sacred and is endured until the end. The Las Tablas carnival lowered the curtain as tradition dictates: with a 'topón' and without sleep. At dawn on Ash Wednesday, Porras Park was once again the point of collision between Calle Arriba and Calle Abajo. The show lasted about 45 minutes, intense, heavy, without a break. The last round started punctually at 5:00 a.m., when the night still lingered in the park. The queens of Calle Arriba and Calle Abajo advanced amidst applause, music, and shouts. It is already heard in the street that for Gloria Saturday the presentation of the queens who will rule the 2026 carnival will be made official. No one wanted to miss the last face-to-face. With this, Las Tablas says goodbye once again to its main festival. Neither the fatigue of four days of partying nor the heat managed to drive people away. Each explosion was a direct message to the rival. Merchants, hoteliers, and vendors had no complaints. No one moved. Each explosion was a sign of strength. Hundreds arrived early. The 'tunas' showed creativity, cunning, and a long memory. The authorities maintained security operations throughout the day. Here, no one wastes time.