SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, January 31. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The first edition of ‘Dragnaval’ is being organized by the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council, in partnership with the departments of Equality and Diversity and Festivals. The event is set to take place on Piñata Friday, commencing at 9:00 p.m. at the Plaza de La Candelaria.
As part of the Carnival 2024 street programming, the primary aim of the event is to foster a connection between the LGTBIQ+ community and the public through celebration.
Participation is open to all individuals aged 18 and above, residing in the Canary Islands, with no prior experience in the entertainment industry required. Interested individuals must register via the organization’s email [email protected]. The registration period will commence on February 1 at 12:00 p.m. and conclude on February 15, as per the City Council’s official statement.
The gala’s presentation ceremony was attended by the Councilor for Equality and Sexual-Affective Diversity, Gladis de León; the Fiestas councilor, Javier Caraballero; and the gala’s host, Exuberancia Carey.
“We hold the finest Carnival globally, and now, the most inclusive. The LGTBIQ+ community has been an integral part of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival since its inception. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in the community’s visibility,” stated the mayor, emphasizing that “this competition offers individuals from the community the platform to partake in an impactful event and showcase their talents and creativity.”
Additionally, Festival Councilor Javier Caraballero emphasized that the Carnival “owed a historical debt to the LGTBIQ+ community, which over the years has enriched the Carnival with its art and dedication, sharing its talent and creativity with the city and all revelers of this festival”.
‘Dragnaval’ holds significant social value by aiming to promote diversity and tolerance in society, in addition to providing educational insights about sexual and gender diversity.
The council perceives it as an “opportunity” for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to partake in the Carnival, contributing to its evolution into a more inclusive and comprehensive event for society.
Event director and presenter, Exhuberancia Carey, expressed gratitude to the city council for their efforts in integrating “such a crucial community into the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival”, which has always been “supportive of their needs and who, with this competition, places them in a very significant spotlight.”
The contest’s motif will correspond to the Carnival theme for this year, ‘Television’, granting participants the freedom to present costumes or musical performances related to television.
