The Peña de Los Rayitos, as the organizer of the "Trial at the Bottom of the Sea," is pleased to announce the title of "Parrandista Mayor" for its 2025 edition, an honorary recognition awarded annually on the occasion of this theatrical representation in the Santoña Carnival.
For her participation and collaboration during the first decade of the "Trial at the Bottom of the Sea," initially as part of the cast in the role of "clam" and later as a member of the directing team when the event was organized by the association La Machina, this year, we have decided to bestow this tribute upon Rosa Colina Riancho from Santoña.
This title, awarded by the direction of the "Trial at the Bottom of the Sea," aims to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the performance, whether through organizational improvements, participation, promotion, or other key aspects. It has been granted for several years now, and the ceremony will take place during the presentation of the theatrical play on Saturday, March 8, at 8:00 PM in Plaza de San Antonio, where Rosa Colina Riancho will receive a commemorative plaque of appreciation from the Santoña City Council and the Peña de Los Rayitos.
We encourage all residents and visitors to join us in this emotional moment of recognition, to support Rosa Colina Riancho, and to enjoy this unique symbol of our Carnival, an event like no other in the world, dressed in solemn mourning attire.
This traditional theatrical performance has been staged since the 1982 Carnival, based on a script written by José Carlos Juncal, adapted from the 1934 murga Trial at the Bottom of the Sea, performed by the group Los Parrandistas. Today, the play features the participation of 60 people, including actors, extras, and stage assistants. A total of 38 different marine species will parade before Neptune, who will preside over the trial, maintaining its original essence with minor adaptations over time, along with the inclusion of new species in some editions.
The events will begin on Saturday morning at 12:45 PM with the Parade of the Fish to the passenger pier near the Carnival Monument, where the "arrest of the convict" will take place. The procession will then return through the town’s central streets, culminating at Plaza del Peralvillo at 1:30 PM with the traditional Coplillas al Besugo.
Later in the afternoon, at 7:00 PM, the fish, along with Neptune and his mermaids, will once again parade before heading to the stage in Plaza de San Antonio, where the trial of the Besugo will take place. The Besugo is accused of kidnapping a mermaid, daughter of Neptune. Following the theatrical performance, in a solemn and mournful procession, we will proceed to the bay of Santoña for the burning of the symbol of the Marinero Carnival.