Uruguay - January 24, 2025 On Thursday, the world's longest carnival returned to Montevideo's main avenue with a vibrant opening parade of dance, music and humour. This year's carnival was inspired by the history of Uruguay, with a boat-shaped float symbolising the Crusade of Liberation of 1825 led by the ‘33 Orientales’, guiding the performers along Avenida 18 de Julio. The parade included 42 groups, from murga and parodista troupes to stand-up comedians, comparsas and revues, all of whom will be competing in the official carnival competition starting next week. (Camera: DIANA ILLA). FOOTAGE OF THE INAUGURAL PARADE OF THE MONTEVIDEO CARNIVAL, IN MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY. [Restrictions: Spain, Latin America, or the U.S. Hispanic market]