The CaixaBank Príncipe Pío Grand Theatre in Madrid hosted, from eight o’clock on Wednesday evening and for a duration of four hours, the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival celebration. Organised by the Autonomous Organisation of Festivals, with its councillor Javier Caraballero leading the event, it featured the 2024 queen of carnivals, Corina Mrazek, along with her four bridesmaids. Also present was the Bahitiare Bay troupe, which won the first prize for Presentation and the second prize for Rhythm and Harmony in the previous edition, as well as the Maquinaria Band orchestra that brought the sounds of Carnival Day… or rather Carnival nights, to life.
Throughout the evening, the musical ensemble played various soundtracks from the festivities. From Juan Luis Guerra’s ‘La Bilirrubina’, to ‘Valió la pena’ by Mark Anthony; ‘To live like this is to die of love’ by Nathy Peluso; ‘Pegao’ by Camilo; ‘The party’ by Pedro Capó; ‘Juliana’ by Dark Latin Groove (DLG); ‘If I had known you before’ by Karol G; or a medley by Elvis Crespo with an encore included, enlivened the celebration featuring the carnival troupe, with Queen Corina leading the festivities.
The chicharrera organisation shared not only words but also songs, as they showcased soundtracks where Maquinaria Band “raised” the bilirubin to show the audience that it was worth living like this indeed, for is dying of love on a magnificent night, and celebrating in a manner akin to being glued to the party, just like Juliana. Everything has its time because if I hadn’t met you before, I will fly into fantasy nights…And if not, just ask Elvis Crespo…
From eight until nine, peninsular time, live Carnival music resonated at the Príncipe Pío theatre in Moncloa/Aravaca, paving the way for an overture lasting less than fifteen minutes, directed by Paula Álvarez and produced by Yeray Piñero, where the troupe that clinched the first Presentation prize, Bahía Bahitiare, under the direction of Zara Davinia Díaz, gave it their all in an engaging performance with the orchestra to the rhythm of the party anthem: ‘Santa Cruz at Carnival’.
Attendees were first treated to the ‘photo call’ set up at the entrance, where they could capture moments at the party beside the queen and her court of honour, adorned in their elaborate body suits and headpieces. To top it all off, in case Carnival fervour wasn’t already sufficient, more soundtracks enriched the atmosphere, as a surge amidst the journey into an archipelago where I dwell alone… because Life is a Carnival.
The Carnival gathering, which saw hundreds of ambassadors pose alongside the guests, served as a sneak preview of the upcoming edition, attended by councillor Javier Caraballero alongside the Deputy Minister of the Presidency of the Government of the Canary Islands, Alfonso Cabello, his predecessor.
Carnival 2025 is set to commence on Friday, January 31, with the celebratory opening gala followed by a series of galas and competitions until February 27. Subsequently, the Announcement Parade will take place on February 28, marking the beginning of street celebrations revolving around the well-established calendar of dances. Notably, the second day of festivities, Saturday, March 8, will feature performances by Wilfrido Vargas and Ráfaga, along with three yet-to-be-announced international artists.
For four hours, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife was the essence of Fitur in Madrid.
