This year, the International Carnival of Puerto de la Cruz will not feature a trans gala, a drag performance that has become well-established and attracts a considerable audience. Additionally, there will be no extra Carnival, which typically includes two nights celebrated the weekend after the main festivities, allowing for an extended period of enjoyment.
Nevertheless, the mayor, Leopoldo Afonso (PP), has indicated that the drag show will be rescheduled for the Summer Carnival, set to take place in September, assuming there are no unexpected circumstances.
The remainder of the programme will encompass the traditional events of the Portuense Carnivals, including the apotheosis arena, the Mascarita Ponte Tacón, the burial of the sardine, and four galas: Queen, King, Great Lady, and Children’s Throne.
The president clarifies that the cancellation of these two events is attributable to “the dire situation of the municipal finances resulting from the disastrous legacy of over 4.1 million euros in debt created by the previous PSOE administration, which renders the 2025 budget unfeasible and compromised.” He further states that “we have been compelled to make this decision, even though we would have preferred to preserve both events and even introduce additional ones to create a more competitive and vibrant Carnival.”
However, he notes that this is challenging “due to the complete and calamitous management over the past years concerning holidays, as of the 4.1 million euros debt they bequeathed us, 2.4 million has pertained to this area.” The budget allocated for the 2025 Carnivals is set at 300,000 euros, as confirmed by the Festival Councillor, Javier González.
