A murga performance has three parts. First, the choir sings a welcome song called the 'saludo', greeting the audience. Then comes the main part - a long song where the choir tells the story of the year, full of jokes and a few surprises. The show ends with a goodbye song called the 'retirada', usually a little sadder, that sends the audience home.
There are only three instruments in a traditional murga: the 'bombo' (a big bass drum), the 'platillos' (cymbals) and the 'redoblante' (a snare drum). All the rest of the sound comes from the singers' voices. Murga singers sing in tight harmony - several different notes layered together to make a thick, powerful sound.
The costumes are part of the magic. Each murga group designs its own bright outfits, with sparkles, feathers and tall painted hats. The faces are painted with big bold shapes - sometimes one half of the face one colour, the other half a different colour. From a distance, the singers look like a flock of strange, wonderful birds.
Uruguayan Carnaval lasts longer than any other in the world - more than 40 days! Murga groups travel from neighbourhood stage to neighbourhood stage, performing their show again and again to different audiences. Children dress up too and follow the parades, learning the songs by heart by the end of the season.