General considerations. Resources and expenses. Projections.
Positive balance for the Concordia Carnival accounts.
The 2018 Carnival was a success. The comparsas offered an excellent show. Thousands of families enjoyed this celebration. During the Carnival weekends, hundreds of tourists visited us. The investments we made in infrastructure and logistics at the Corsódromo improved the staging of the show and the comfort of spectators and comparsas. There were no security problems or serious incidents. In a few days, the envelopes for the grandstand tender will be opened.
The judges were appointed as established by the regulations. The scrutiny was carried out under the supervision of the comparsas' representatives and before a public notary. The same procedures and working methods as in previous editions were followed. As always, some comparsas and figures obtained better results than others. But nothing that was done deviated from the regulations agreed upon and endorsed by the comparsas.
The resources that were allocated and generated for the Carnival were managed with transparency and responsibility. Contributions and advances to the comparsas were paid on time and in due form. The numbers are clear and in order.
There is no doubt that this Carnival was one of the best in history. And we achieved all this together. With the drive, constant support, and guidelines established by a Mayor like Enrique Cresto, who clearly understands the essence of this celebration and the strategic importance for Concordia of having a successful and growing Carnival. With the dedication and effort of the leaders and members of each comparsa. With the work and commitment of all those who contributed to making this celebration move forward.
*For the first time, income exceeds expenses*
Regarding the resources that the Entity managed in this edition, we can state that for the first time in history, the Carnival did not result in losses, but on the contrary, a surplus. For the first time, income exceeds expenses.
And this change represents a great step forward for a Carnival where losses were always greater than benefits, where long-term planning was difficult when debts were higher than the resources generated.
When this administration began, the Mayor decided to recover the Carnival and strengthen the foundations for the growth of this celebration. Planning and responsible management of resources are two key aspects in this process. Today the accounts are healthy and the Carnival is no longer in deficit.
Regarding the most important items in terms of resources and expenses, we can point out that:
The main income was the sale of tickets, chairs, and tables, reaching the figure of $ 10,513,131 for this concept.
In terms of the sale of advertising spaces and sponsorships, $ 3,227,400 was generated. Through the concession of food stands and gastronomic services, $ 1,600,000 was obtained.
That is to say, the Carnival had a total approximate income of $ 15,340,531.
When considering the main expenses, we must mention:
The prizes for the comparsas, which in this edition reached a total of $ 5,400,000 (having advanced more than 50% of the prize money to the comparsas before the start of the parades).
The hiring of the different services required for an event like this (sound, security, medical emergencies, restrooms, rental of grandstands and chairs, LED screens, live broadcasts, closed-circuit video and multimedia services, judges, lighting and electricity, work teams, etc.) demanded an expense of $ 6,500,000.
The improvements made to the venue (construction of ticket offices, construction of a pedestrian path in the grandstand sector, construction of a platform for drum sections and queens) required an investment of $ 1,000,000.
Expenses destined for SADAIC and AADICAPIF amounted to $ 576,082.80.
But it is also important to highlight that since last year, work has been done on the concept that this city brings together all expressions of Carnival. Because only in Concordia can we count on a spectacular Carnival at the Corsódromo; a children's and popular Carnival like Pequeños Duendes, which tours all the city's neighborhoods during the summer, and the Popular Carnival of Joy, which upholds the traditional essence of this celebration. It is important to deepen this unified work that positions Concordia as the Capital of Carnival.
For this reason, resources were also allocated to the 1st Litoral Carnival Symposium and Expo (with training workshops, talks, rhythm clinics, designs, dances, etc.); the organization and logistics of the Pequeños Duendes Carnival; and in collaboration with the activities of the Popular Carnival of Joy, organized by the Momo Group.
Also in this edition, we worked intensely on dissemination and advertising campaigns, promotions at national events, visits to neighboring cities, presentations on national programs and media, special television productions, etc.
All this, together, would bring the total approximate expenses to $ 15,200,000 (a figure that will be reached once all income is realized and debts incurred are settled).
That is to say, between what was generated in terms of income and what the realization of the event demanded as an expense, this year the balance is in our favor. Less was spent than what was received. Definitely, an achievement of everyone that we must deepen in the coming years.
What's next
Today, more than ever, we have to strengthen this joint work. We took a big step forward. Now we have to consolidate the achievements of this edition and advance in everything that needs to be improved. We will surely have to implement changes, debate proposals, review, and plan. But we must start working as soon as possible.
For this reason, the Carnival Entity will summon the representatives of the comparsas, the leaders of the Popular Carnival, and those responsible for the Pequeños Duendes Carnival in a few days to agree on a meeting schedule and establish work axes for the next edition and everything that is to come.
The challenge is to go for more. We are sure that just as we have built the success of this Carnival together, we can all take advantage of the historic opportunity presented to us, to go much further and achieve the definitive takeoff of this great celebration for everyone.
PERMANENT CARNIVAL ENTITY OF THE CITY OF CONCORDIA.