
The well-loved figure of Torres Vedras Carnival, Luís Correia, affectionately known as ‘Corneta,’ has passed away at the age of 90.
His death was announced by the carnival group ‘Ministros e Matrafonas,’ a group he had been an integral part of for many years.
“In this moment of immeasurable sorrow, our association members bow to the memory of our member, joining his grieving family in feelings of solidarity, respect, and compassion, offering our heartfelt and profound condolences to this iconic figure of our Carnival. You will always be an important figure and name,” read a statement on the group’s Facebook page.
Known for his fervent passion for Portugal’s most traditional Carnival, he succumbed to a prolonged illness.
Promotorres, the organization managing the Carnival of Torres Vedras, remembers Corneta as the man who famously wore a matrafona suit and wielded a symbolic megaphone.
Many tributes have poured in on social media, hailing Corneta as a “great icon of our Carnival,” and lamenting how his absence leaves the festivities “poorer.”
“When asked what Torres Carnival is, the answer will always be the same: Corneta,” wrote one user.
Despite having distanced himself from the festivities due to illness, his ‘eternal’ absence is already felt by the city’s revelers.
Born in Torres Vedras, Luís Correia devoted much of his life to the joy and tradition of his hometown’s Carnival. Besides his connection to the event, he was a national champion in roller hockey in 1959 and served approximately 40 years with the Torres Vedras Volunteer Firefighters, as noted by the local City Council in a statement.