This Carnival edition will feature the most groundbreaking act, Dragnaval, with 12 entrants and is spearheaded by the Department of Equality, led by Gladis de León, in collaboration with the Department of Festivals, overseen by Javier Caraballero. Directed by esteemed Tenerife drag performer, Carey Exuberance, the show will feature participants from the program Drag Race: Pupi Poisson, Estrella Xtravaganza, and Samantha Ballentines. The promoter of Dragnaval divulges the details of the gala to DIARIO DE AVISOS.
-When, where, and how was this initiative conceived?
“This was born when I learned that Gladis de León was the Councilor for Equality and Javier Caraballero was the Councilor for Festivals. I proposed they do something to increase visibility for the LGTBI community and particularly for the drag community within the Carnival. We had our initial meeting in September, which is when we began deliberating how to integrate the drag community into the Carnival.”
-What significance do you think this gala carries?
“In the past, drag shows here have always been organized by private companies. Contests were held by nightclubs like La Basílica and others were organized in Plaza Europa by entrepreneurs, but nothing has ever been done with the backing of the City Council. Therefore, I believe it was imperative to shine a spotlight on individuals who have always been connected to the Carnival without having a moment to showcase the true essence of drag.”
-What does being a promoter and presenter of the Carnival 2024’s major innovation signify for you as an artist?
“Participating and hosting Dragnaval as an artist is a delight, and as a promoter, it’s a dream come true because that’s what I’ve been advocating for with the Travestario. Ever since I became self-employed, I have been striving for inclusive cultural projects stemming from the reality of the LGTBI community and the drag community. It is quite a responsibility, and we are making all efforts to ensure its success, but I am genuinely ecstatic.”
-What will be the format of the event?
“The event will adopt a television format spanning approximately two and a half hours on the stage set up at Plaza de la Candelaria, encompassing several rounds. Only 12 individuals will participate, with six advancing to the subsequent round and, in the final, comprising a lipsync, leaving only three finalists. It will be designed with the carnival allegory, leveraging television, which aids in lending the format a resemblance to Drag Race. Ultimately, the winner, runner-up, and third place will be decided by the audience through their applause – facilitated by an applause gauge.”
What can the audience anticipate?
“It promises to be a fantastic spectacle as we’ll have three fantastic performers from the Peninsula who are art and sheer comedy: Pupi Poisson, Estrella Xtravaganza, and Samantha Ballentines. Moreover, the audience will not only be spectators but will also have the opportunity to participate, as it is open to the public. They will experience the full splendor of drag art.”
-What would you convey to those criticizing the alleged imitation of the Las Palmas Carnival Drag gala?
“They have every right to voice their opinion, but we could not simply replicate the Drag Gala in Las Palmas. It has been defined by individuals who have showcased boundary-pushing acts and made that the hallmark of that Carnival, something that is unparalleled. This won’t be the context here either, as dancers or props are prohibited on stage. Essentially, it will embody a more television-oriented form of drag.”
