The Santa Cruz de Tenerife CarnivalSanta Cruz de Tenerife Carnival introduces a new competition, Dragnaval, on February 16, promoted by the Department of Equality and Diversity of the capital, addressing a longstanding commitment to the LGTBIQ+ community. This initiative is championed by Exuberancia Carey, the event’s artistic director.
Unreservedly celebrating the most resembling contest to the drag gala of The Gran Canarian palms, Exuberancia Carey herself specified that it is a thriving business like Drag Race, emerging from the dedicated efforts of “an important group that has perpetually offered support, and with this contest, they bring significant visibility to a vital community.”
The Councilor for Sexual Equality and Diversity, Gladis de León, enthusiastically endorsed the organization of Dragnaval, defining it as the carnival’s diversity contest. Javier Caraballero, the person in charge of organizing the mask festival, also expressed pride in the department decisively aligning with this project, officially creating an event aimed at celebrating diversity across all expressions.
Caraballero emphasized that this drag gala, known as Dragnaval, resolves a long-standing commitment to the group that has contributed art, talent, professionalism, and creativity, solidifying a city open to carnival, avant-garde, and respectfully embracing a diverse and transgressive atmosphere. He highlighted the significance of incorporating this event into the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, showcasing a new set of values emphasizing inclusion, respect, and tolerance within the city of Santa Cruz. Caraballero recalled the long-standing tradition of transformism and drag in Santa Cruz and Tenerife that has been ingrained for decades, evident in pubs, clubs, and events across the Island.
Caraballero further emphasized the artistic significance of drag, mentioning its resounding presence in the Culture Business Pride, the Global Universe, Tu Peluca Me Suena –from the César Manrique Institute–, and the Tenerife GG technological event, along with the drag galas organized in various municipalities across the island, aiming for visibility and celebrating diversity, as per Javier Caraballero’s words.
The Festival Councilor paid tribute to the pioneering drag galas dating back to the early 2000s, acknowledging the efforts of individuals and groups striving for visibility within this Internationally Acclaimed Tourism Festival since 1980, particularly referencing the valiant efforts led by Marcela Kaufman over two decades ago.
Additionally, Caraballero recollected the maiden drag gala in 2000, orchestrated by Marcela Kaufman, taking place at the now-defunct El Convento Disco, and in 2001 and 2003, held at Plaza de Europa. In 2002, a deluge hindered the second drag gala scheduled on an official stage of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival.
RuPaul’s or Drag Race
This new contest, incorporated into the Carnival programming This Piñata Friday aims to compensate for the absence of the Award Winners Festival and coincides with the drag gala in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, as the organization has aligned their activities with Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s offerings this year.
The artistic director, Exhuberancia Carey, openly acknowledged the drag gala as the highlight of the Carnival of Las Palmas de GranCanaria, outlining the format for the inaugural Dragnaval. The event will be more akin to Drag Race, already confirming the participation of Samantha Ballantines, Puppy Poison, Estrella Stravaganza, and Exuberancia Carey, ensuring a successful outing.
The event: Piñata Friday, at 9:00 p.m. and beyond, promises an electrifying celebration of diversity, talent, and creativity.Dragnaval in Santa Cruz de Tenerife brings a new look to the Carnival. The event will continue until 11:30 p.m. on the main stage of the Plaza de la Candelaria. The Festival Councilor emphasized that this contest is not just another event but a proclamation of dedication to diversity in the world’s most inclusive, tolerant, and cutting-edge festival: the Santa Cruz Carnival.
Twelve Contestants and Three Passes
The inaugural edition of Dragnaval welcomes participants over 18 years old, residing in the Canary Islands, with no prior entertainment experience required. Interested individuals should register via the organization’s email galadragnaval@gmail.com. The registration period opens today at noon, Thursday, February 1, from 12:00 p.m. and closes on February 15. Participants will be admitted in strict order of registration.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival 2024 Drag Queen Gala
The new Dragnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife competition will be held on the same day as the Drag Queen Gala of the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival.
Following a crowded pre-selection, thirteen candidates will once again showcase their platforms at the grand Drag Gala, which will be broadcast live on Laprovincia.es, Canarian Television, and Canary Radio, on Friday, February 16, commencing at 9:30 p.m.. Roberto Herrera and Drag Sethlas along with a surprise guest will host the capital’s Carnival’s most prominent event.
