“Murga” is Buenos Aires’ lesser known, more modest and version of Brazil’s Carnival. Its music is also based in Afro-Caribbean rhythms, but murga went underground for many years because the dictators of the Dirty War saw it as socialist and subversive. Today it is moving to regain its popularity, but its working-class flavor means it is often derided as “noise” by other socio-economic groups. Supporters argue it helps keep at-risk youth away from drugs, builds community and promotes a healthy lifestyle. Since the left-leaning populist government regained control, murga troupes have been rated and subsidized based on a performance for government officials.
A murga troupe will usually practice year-round in the park and during Murga season perform 3-4 times a night in different "corsos" (sites). Local, neighborhood events, corsos are a combination of children perpetrating foam attacks while adults drink beer and hang out with friends. A corso will last for hours and consist of 3-5 different murga troupes, culminating with the best-rated one the area is able to book.