Laughter Song Contest: Venue Shift, Ticket Dispute

The 20th Laughter Song Contest, a key part of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival, is happening this afternoon. However, it's faced some logistical changes and early controversy about ticket sales.

Seven of the eight groups taking part have complained about the ticket system, which is always a sensitive issue for such a popular event.

The contest, usually held at the Guimerá Theater, has moved to the assembly hall of the Colegio de las Madres Dominicas in Vistabella. This change is because the original venue is undergoing renovation work. The Colegio Santa Catalina de Siena helped make it possible by offering its facilities so the event could continue.

The controversy began when the groups found out they had to sell the tickets themselves. They said that 65 tickets per group (up from the usual 50) weren't enough to meet public demand, and they wanted to make it clear they weren't responsible for any problems this caused.

The organizers, however, have explained this unusual step, which they agreed with the groups, by saying the new venue can only hold 600 people. They also decided that all money from ticket sales will go to charity, and Fiestas won't be selling tickets at the door. This is meant to ensure fairness for all groups taking part.

Even with these issues, the contest still promises its usual humor, parody, and festive criticism – all key parts of the carnival spirit. The organizers hope that once the renovations are finished, the competition can go back to its usual home.

The eight groups performing tonight, starting at 8:30 PM, in this order, are: Los Cornucas Atómicos; No tengo el Chichi p’a Farolillos; Los Esc@ndinabos; Las Gediondas; Los Dibujos Animados se van de Fogalera; Los Legías; Los Quijotes de la Mancha, and Los Chicos de Guaza.