Santa Cruz de Tenerife has crowned its new queen, Elizabeth Ledesma Laker, during the highly anticipated Carnival Queen Gala held on February 26, 2025. The event, themed "Secrets of Africa," captivated attendees with its vibrant performances and stunning costumes.
The night was filled with excitement as Ledesma, representing McDonald's and the newspaper El Día, took the stage wearing her costume titled "Conexión," which was expertly crafted by designer Alexis Santana. The gala was a showcase of elegance, energy, and the cultural richness of the Canary Islands, marking the beginning of the Carnival festivities.
Before the clock struck midnight, the hosts, Alexis Hernández and Lara Álvarez, announced her as the new queen of the carnival, succeeding last year's reigning queen, Corina Mrazek. This year’s event saw the Recinto Ferial packed, with 7,000 spectators filling the venue, excitedly dressed for the occasion. The gala provided the perfect blend of artistic expression and local culture, solidifying its importance within the festival.
Alongside Ledesma, the honor court included first lady Laura Fernández Ruiz with her costume "Gotas de cielo—"a representation by designer Sedomir Rodríguez de la Sierra. Marta Pérez Baute, the second lady, dazzled the audience with "El cielo y tú," created by Santi Castro, and Ainhoa Díaz Sánchez, the third lady, showcased “La Fontaine” by Juan Carlos Armas. Rounding out the group, Michelle Castro Adrián came fourth with her ensemble "Origen," fashioned by Jorge González Santana, representing Correduría de Seguros Broker Mediterráneo.
The evening was alive with performances, featuring the renowned Cuban band Orishas, whose energetic beats brought the crowd to their feet. The event also highlighted local talent, including the award-winning musical group Caña Dulce and comedic interludes from beloved humorist Carmen Cabeza. The combination of music, dance, and dramatic presentations transported the audience to the heart of Africa, aligning beautifully with the night’s theme.
Despite the intense entertainment schedule, audience engagement remained high, with cheers and excitement building as the presentations unfolded. The gala, directed by Jep Meléndez, showcased the rich cultural fabrics of the Carnival, weaving together performances and fashion artistry. Meléndez has become renowned for crafting memorable displays, and this year was no exception, with the momentum building to create a spectacular climax involving celebratory performances and announcing the queen.
After the culmination of the candidate presentations, voting was opened to the audience online, allowing for active participation. During deliberations, the atmosphere exploded with celebratory music from various local bands, ensuring no moment felt dull or stagnant. The crowd's energy matched the rhythm, especially as the fusion of African music echoed through the venue.
At the heart of the festivities, the announcement of Ledesma as queen created jubilant uproar. “Santa Cruz de Tenerife ya tiene nueva reina,” echoed across the Recinto Ferial, emphasizing the pride of the community. The performance by Orishas provided the perfect closing act, culminating the night on notes of unity and cultural pride.
The carnival festivities will continue with the highly anticipated Cabalgata Anunciadora set to take place on February 28, heralding the start of street celebrations. This parade promises to engage the public fully, inviting locals and tourists alike to immerse themselves deeply within the vibrant spirit of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival.
Underlining the significance of the carnival to Santa Cruz, it’s not just about naming a queen; it’s about fostering community bonds and celebrating rich cultural traditions. With events like these, the city cements its place as one of the foremost carnival celebrations worldwide, drawing visitors from across the globe to witness its dazzling parades and lively expressions of joy.
Elizabeth Ledesma’s reign is sure to be celebrated as part of this broader narrative, continuing to showcase the art, culture, and community spirit found within Tenerife. With her crowning, the festive atmosphere is set to overflow throughout the streets as thousands prepare to revel during one of the most colorful and vibrant carnivals of the year.