Tras con Tras Makes History in North Tenerife Murga Contest

The 'murga' group Tras con Tras is known for its consistent identity and unique approach to the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival. They are recognized for their critical songs, strong teamwork, and knack for surprising audiences.

After more than thirty years, the group is entering a new phase. They've made a groundbreaking decision: for the first time, they will compete in the North Tenerife Contest. This move is a significant moment for them and for all Carnival groups in Santa Cruz, as it breaks down a long-standing barrier between the island's different competitions and creates new opportunities for groups from the capital.

Until 2024, a 'murga' from the north could only compete in Santa Cruz if they had won their own contest the previous year or if they pulled out of their local competition. This rule changed thanks to a proposal from Santa Cruz Festival Councilor, Javier Caraballero. While the rules for reciprocal participation will apply from 2025, Tras con Tras, led by Tati Rodríguez, is the first Santa Cruz group to make this pioneering move.

Tati Rodríguez, the director of the Barrio de la Salud group and the mastermind behind this idea, is incredibly excited about their participation. She's particularly happy about having another venue to perform the material they've worked on from September to January. She noted, "the 30 minutes in Santa Cruz fly by in a flash, and we have fewer and fewer performances." She also sees it as a great way to "support the North Contest, help it continue, improve its quality, and encourage people from across the island to come and watch."

Tras con Tras shows it can adapt to modern times while staying true to its core identity and avoiding complacency. This ability to spot new opportunities is key to why, after 31 years, the 'murga' keeps looking for new challenges. Their decision to compete in the North isn't just a testament to their long history (they are the longest-running female 'murga' without interruption); it also rewards the hard work and dedication of their members, giving them another chance to perform. Many groups share the feeling that Carnival is too short, and their efforts deserve more stages and a larger audience.

"Ultimately, a 'murga' is a 'murga' whether we sing in Santa Cruz, the North, the South, or anywhere else," says Tati, her excitement clear to see. This move comes as the group is evolving and keen to find new ways to sing about issues affecting the entire island. Tras con Tras firmly believes that tradition and progress can coexist, and after three decades, they still have much to explore. The North is now an exciting new chapter in their journey.

The North Tenerife 'Murga' Contest is scheduled for the first week of February at the Plaza Quinto Centenario in La Orotava. Eleven groups will compete across three preliminary rounds. Tras con Tras will perform in the first round, following Ferrusquentos and Pizzicatos. The second round will feature Parlanchinas, Virgueritos, and Malcriadas (from La Laguna). Oxidadas, Deslenguadas, and Trinkosos will conclude the preliminary rounds on Wednesday. The final, featuring six groups, will take place on Saturday, February 7th.

During rehearsals, while learning songs and lyrics, it's often noted that newer generations tend to switch groups in pursuit of winning. This makes it especially remarkable to find members like Any Fajardo, a distinctive voice of the Festival, who will complete 30 years with Tras con Tras in 2026. Sagrario Gómez, who sings at the other end of the group, shares a similar milestone. Even more impressively, among the founders, Melca Barrera, who joined in 1996, directed the 'murga' for over ten years, and returned to the stage in 2023, continues to participate in her 31st Carnival. For some, it's truly a lifelong commitment.