In the upcoming week, a total of 21 contenders are set to vie for the coveted title of Queen at the Los Cristianos International Carnival, with 4 children, 11 seniors, and 6 youth nominees in the running. The announcement of their names was made during a gala held at the Infanta Leonor Auditorium this Thursday, where the candidates were officially introduced along with the 12 designers and 31 companies sponsoring their elaborate costumes.
At the event, a draw was also conducted to determine the order in which the contestants will showcase their carnival outfits next week. The draw featured a gumball machine, vibrant cocktails, and a disco ball, all reminiscent of the 80s theme of this year’s Carnival. Attendees were treated to various nostalgic elements such as neon attire, leg warmers, and mini vinyl records adorning the candidates’ bouquets.
The gala was filled with entertainment including performances by David González, who sang the anthem ‘Ritmo Ochentero’ composed with Gilberto Martín for the Carnival, as well as the Arona Culture Board ballet, Beanky ballet, and the vibrant batucadas and rhythms of aroneras troupes K’nadum, Playeritos, Ay Caramba, and Ritmo Sureño.
Former queens from the 2019 Carnival were also present at the gala, marking the first selection of the carnival court since that year. Representatives from the Arona City Council including Mayor Fátima Lemes, Festival and Security Councillor Alexis Gómez, and Seniors and Equality Councillor Pura Martín graced the occasion, showing their support for the candidates alongside other council members.
CHILDREN’S QUEEN CONTENDERS:
The children’s gala is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 12th, commencing at 8:00 p.m. at the Carnival venue near the Los Cristianos Cultural Center. The four candidates will parade in the following sequence:
1. Akeina Akemi Grande Hernandez will flaunt ‘The Magic of an Illusion’ design created by Nieves Ramos, representing BHI Cosmetics, Galos Mesa Peluquero y Estilista, Nagel Nails, and the El Valle Encantado Children’s School.
2. Daniela Padilla Mora will showcase ‘My little star’ design by Jean Pierre Rosales, sponsored by Aviario Yuslin and Catering Gomeralia.
3. Daniela Ramallo Arzola will wear the ‘Pom Pom’ fantasy by Dani Mena, representing the Las Castañuelas Restaurant and the Yaiza Hair Salon.
4. Ana Ferreira González will compete in the ‘From the island of Mutu Nui’ costume created by Silvia Ferrera, representing the groups Los Playeritos and Ritmo Sureño, the Laguna Sur Real Estate, and the Virginia Apartments.
QUEEN OF THE THIRD AGE HOPEFULS:
The senior section is set for Wednesday the 13th at 8:00 p.m., featuring 11 contestants representing various senior centres in the municipality.
1. Isabel Romero Martín from the Buzanada Senior Center will dawn the ‘Delirium’ creation by Nieves Ramos and Simona Fernández, sponsored by Imesapi SA.
2. Argelia Melo Reverón from the Valle San Lorenzo Senior Center will flaunt the ‘Anú’ design by By Jonatan, backed by Cepsa Valle San Lorenzo and the Centro Equestrian Center of the South.
3. María de los Dolores Casanova Plasencia from the Las Rosas Senior Center will display the ‘Mandala’ design by Cristo Beltrán, representing Altavista Catering.
4. María Isabel González González from the Cabo Blanco Senior Center will wear the ‘Kinione’ fantasy by Nieves Ramos and Simona Fernández, with Grupo El Cine as the sponsor.
5. Maritza Prince from Marcano from the Parque la Reina Senior Center will don the ‘Dinastía’ creation by David Díaz, represented by Marcha FM.
6. Elia Rosa Perez Bello from the El Fraile Senior Center will parade in the ‘In the Wisteria Garden’ outfit by Cristo Beltrán, supported by Shopping Center China Town SL.
7. María Neris González Cabrera from the La Camella Senior Center will present the ‘Diamonds of Neptune’ fantasy designed by David Díaz Arzola, representing Transporte Mesa La Fortaleza.
8. Dolores Díaz González from the Guargacho Senior Center will compete in the ‘Catrina de Xochimilco’ costume by Cristo Beltrán, sponsored by the Los Menceyes Group.
9. Luz María Mena Fumero from the Arona Senior Center will showcase the ‘Amatistas’ design by Nieves Ramos and Simona Fernández, representing the Las Gangarras Restaurant.
10. Maria Mercedes González Domínguez from the Los Cristianos Senior Center will wear the ‘Jaramará’ creation by Jean Pierre Rosales, backed by the Los Cristianos Open Commercial Zone.
11. Ana Jiménez Jiménez from the Las Galletas Senior Center will parade in the ‘And never sleep’ fantasy by Jean Pierre Rosales, sponsored by Mercados del Atlántico.
YOUTH QUEEN ELECTION GALA:
Thursday the 14th will see a thrilling competition as six candidates vie for the prestigious title of Youth Queen at the Carnival, beginning at 8:30 p.m.
1. Carmen Nuria Martín Barrera will enchant with ‘Sabor a Miel’, the dazzling creation by Alfonso Baute, sponsored by Spring Hoteles.
2. Muriel Gentile Mey will grace the stage in the ‘Zuri’ outfit by Jorge González Santana, representing Macaronesian Hotel & Resorts.
3. Sara Ferradás Parades will radiate in the ‘Resplandor’ fantasy by Dámaso Ramos Dávila, sponsored by Papagayo Beach Club.
4. Sheila Rodríguez Alonso will don the ‘Frenesí’ design by Jorge González Santana, representing Santiago Park.
5. María Luján Plano Cruz will captivate in the ‘Dance with me’ costume by Dámaso Ramos Dávila, supported by the Los Menceyes Group.
6. Rocío Reyes Gómez will showcase ‘Magically in Rio’, the enchanting creation by Alfonso Baute, representing the Hotel Europe Villa Cortés and Transportes Mesa.
