Uruguay carnivalesque group Doña Bastarda goes back on stage with its traditional politically charged combination of music and satire, after the 2021 edition was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Before jumping into the spotlight, the costumed participants have to take a bus with bags of props and suits, which takes them to the four carnival stages, known as "tablados". As a "fundamental part of its culture" Montevideo mayor Carolina Cosse confesses that "it was very hard to cancel it last year, but this one is a revenge and a preparation for the next carnivals to come". IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES ARRANGED IN SEQUENCES