Rosalva Morales Benítez, a 23-year-old psychologist and dance instructor, is making her debut at the grand Carnival Gala of Santa Cruz de Tenerife alongside her designer, Cristian Santana. Santana has previously showcased his designs at children’s and senior galas, and they are sponsored by Repsol Grupo González Canarias. Benítez has previously participated in Miss Sur and, last year, she was a senior pilgrim of San Antonio Abad in Güímar.
-How did the opportunity to run as a candidate arise?
“Cristian Santana was in search of a candidate from Güímar, and he thought of me. “I didn’t hesitate for a moment because I’ve always dreamt of participating in Carnival since I was a child.”
-And what does Carnival mean to you?
“It is a comprehensive celebration, catering to all tastes with rondallas, comparsas, and murgas, offering the opportunity for wholesome family enjoyment.”
-What do you like most about the party?
“I am particularly fond of the rhythm and harmony, the warmth that the troupes and their batucadas receive from the people on the streets.”
-So, if your designer is a murguero, you prefer the troupes…
“Cristian is a murguero due to his family background, but he has delved more into design, and I do prefer the troupes.”
-And what can you tell me about your fantasy?
“I can only reveal a little, although we have already shared the meaning of Zibá on social media, which translates to beautiful in Persian, giving people an idea of what to expect when they see it on stage.”
-Do you embody Zibá?
“Absolutely, I feel lovely. The design has boosted my self-confidence and made me feel capable of presenting the fantasy on stage.”
-More feathers than sequins…
“I believe it has an equal number of feathers and sequins, but I cannot disclose much more.”
-Is the weight manageable, easy to carry?
“I am not certain about its exact weight, but if left to Cristian, it would weigh much more, as designers keep adding more elements. However, thanks to the wheels, it is bearable and not overly heavy.”
-Many hours at the gym?
“Since becoming a candidate, I have undergone specialized training, alongside my partner who also serves as my coach.”
-5, a fortunate number in the lottery.
“Indeed, and I believe our sponsor, Repsol Grupo González, will be pleased. I always wished for a low starting number so that I could savor the gala to the fullest.”
-Who is more excited about this debut, Cristian or you?
“I think both of us are equally excited, and I would say all three of us, including the sponsor, given the expressions they had a few days ago when they visited the Güímar venue to see the fantasy.”
