The International Carnival of Christians 2025 is entering its most exhilarating phase following a spectacular launch last weekend, which has set the bar high. The opening parade illuminated the Americas on Saturday, showcasing a vibrant display of colour and energy that meandered through the gold mile. Approximately 600 participants composed a procession that infused the main thoroughfares of the beachfront area with rhythm.
On the same day, the carnival transformed the atmosphere of the main venue on Chajofe boulevard into a genuine fiesta. With Venezuela as the focal point of these celebrations, the tribute to Celia Cruz, performed by Mayelín, added a Latin flair to a day brimming with rhythm and joy.
The Sunday festivities maintained the celebratory spirit with a Murgas gathering, filling the venue with performances that were twisting, ironic, and lively, among others. This gala featured Laura Afonso as the master of ceremonies, engaging an audience that was enthusiastic from the very start.
Following that dynamic opening, the calendar continues this week with the most eagerly awaited galas. The first event is scheduled for today with the selection of the Queen for the elderly, where eleven candidates, representing various senior centres from the municipality, will vie for the coveted scepter.
Tomorrow, the spotlight will shift to the youngsters with the crowning of the Queen of Childhood. On Thursday, it will be the turn of the adult Queen of Carnival 2025, with six contenders competing for the title in a night that promises to blend spectacle, design, and emotion, as is customary.
The rhythm will not dissipate on Friday, which will kick off with a dance for the elderly in the courtyard of the cultural centre, followed by one of the most eagerly anticipated events: the Drag Queen gala. The evening will culminate in a dance party enhanced by orchestras and an outdoor DJ area in the fisherman’s square.
On Saturday, the festivities will continue with the second day of carnival. Simultaneously, a family day featuring workshops, children’s activities, and performances tailored for all age groups will take place in the fisherman’s square.
The afternoon will carry on with the costume contest, and as night falls, the XI shirt procession will wind through the streets, rewarding the best costumes. The celebration will extend into a new DJ session followed by a grand dance led by the Wamampy orchestra.
Sunday’s events will commence with an exhibition of classic cars, concluding with the grand apotheosis Coso, a parade that will traverse Juan Carlos I Avenue towards the Cultural Centre, where a magnificent dance will ensue.
The festivities will come to a close next Monday with the traditional burial of the sardine, a ceremonial act filled with symbolism and humour that will traverse the heart of the Christians to the beach, giving way to the final dance of the Aronero Carnival along with the popular festival of the widow.
