This project, which seeks to restore the choir's historical prominence in the Puerto Real Carnival, will be led by César Custodio. The authorship will be handled by Carlos Moreno and Francisco José Fernández 'Toté', well-known figures in the carnival scene.
“"Although we don't have a name or type yet, we would like this to be well-received news, for people to get excited, and for next year's Puerto Real Carnival to be full of groups, both in the theater and on the streets."
The initiative is in its initial phase, and its promoters have highlighted the need for support from the City Council and the commercial sector. They argue that bringing a group of this magnitude forward, especially from scratch, requires significant backing, although they assure that the choir will be “of quality and top-tier”.
The mayor of Puerto Real, Aurora Salvador, expressed her enthusiasm for the news, pledging municipal support “in everything possible”. Salvador emphasized that the choir is “the standard-bearer of our carnival and must be supported”, thanking Toté and Carlos for their commitment and their families for their backing. “The Puerto Real Carnival must return to what it was, with its choir, with a firm commitment to the festival and with one hundred percent institutional support,” the mayor stated.
“"We are very eager and know it's a huge challenge. I know comparisons are odious and that I will be compared to my uncle, Antonio García, but I will put everything I know and all my effort into it. Carnival evolves, and we want to do something different, totally distinct."
Francisco José Fernández 'Toté', for his part, shared his emotion, recalling that the Puerto Real Choir was his first contact with carnival, a family tradition. He stressed the importance of adapting to new times and of “setting the bar high”, as carnival has evolved and they must evolve with it. David Chanivet, another person involved, mentioned the intense preliminary work and numerous meetings required to finalize this return.
César Custodio reiterated the intention to form a strong and united group, considering it essential for the project's success. Although five representatives were present at the presentation, they seek broad participation for the choir to be a point of unity in the town. The Councilor for Festivities, Nazaret Ramírez, also expressed her joy at the announcement, thanking the promoters' efforts and highlighting the honor of accompanying this choir's resurgence during her last year in office.
During the event, Custodio made a public appeal to Francisco Jiménez ‘Marroquí’, a historical figure of the choir, to join the project, a request supported by the mayor herself. Toté explained that the intention is for this return to be a continuous project, “for the choir to come to stay”, although its success will depend on the involvement of many people. They are already contacting former members and hope that more will join this initiative, which seeks a new era of choral splendor for the Puerto Real Carnival.
