The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival is known for its vibrant celebrations, and this year, the anticipation is particularly high as the Carnival Queen Gala 2025 approaches, bringing together culture, elegance, and fierce competition among eleven talented candidates vying for the prestigious title.
Scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, February 15, 2025, at the Recinto Ferial, the gala will kick off at 21:30 and aims to conclude just before midnight. Under the direction of Jep Meléndez, the event promises to be spectacular, and Meléndez has set forth the primary goal of successfully crowning the Carnival queen this year. "The main challenge set by Jep Meléndez: to crown the queen of the Carnival on Wednesday; otherwise: the show is scheduled to end at 21:30, and according to the schedule, is set to finish just before midnight," reported by Prensa Ibérica.
Bringing flair to the night are renowned artists, including the Cuban group Orishas, who are expected to ignite the stage with their energetic performances. "It is expected to have performances by major artists, such as the group Orishas, who will also be joined by Mel Ömana," reported by Prensa Ibérica, indicating the excitement surrounding this multicultural event.
Artistic arrangements will also be helmed by Nareme Melián, with other artists and production crew participating to weave together numerous acts as part of the gala. The show will commence with a sixteen-minute opening performance highlighting themes of flora, fauna, community, and celebration of Carnival, set to music created by Germán Armas, performed by various international artists.
The voting for the queen will involve both the jury and the public, adding another layer of excitement to the proceedings. The gala has embraced this interactive approach, inviting the public to participate actively. "The voting for the queen will open after the last candidate finishes their presentation," reported by Prensa Ibérica, illustrating how the audience can engage directly with the event. This year, El Corte Inglés is sweetening the pot by offering participants the chance to win a €1,000 gift card through voting.
Among the jury, figures of note include fashion designer Maya Hansen and Spanish designer Alejandro Palomo, ensuring expertise and authority will guide the selection process. Each candidate will showcase their unique costumes, all intricately crafted to embody the theme 'Secretos de África', reflecting the cultural richness of Africa and its influence on Carnival celebrations.
The candidates are not just vying for the title; they are representatives of various local businesses, each bringing their flair to the event. The competitors include stunning young women dressed by some of the best designers on the island, showcasing thousands of hours of work and creativity woven together to produce magnificent costumes. The fashion and beauty presented will be as much of an art form as the performances displayed on stage.
The gala will comprise three blocks featuring performances as well. It promises lively acts to keep the audience entertained between candidate presentations, allowing everyone to appreciate the depth of talent within the Carnival community.
Following the presentations, the moments of tension will grow as the jury deliberates. Time will seem to come to a standstill as attendees await the verdict. The public is also encouraged to remain hopeful through text voting, making the atmosphere thick with anticipation.
Over the years, the Carnival Gala has seen historical milestones, and this year, designer Santi Castro aims for history once again. If successful, he may achieve the unprecedented feat of winning four consecutive queen titles, previously held by María Isabel Coello from 1965 to 1970.
With artists like Orishas set to perform, and the vibrancy of the candidates’ costumes lighting up the arena, the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival Queen Gala is not just another event; it’s poised to be the highlight of the Carnival, marking another unforgettable chapter of this cherished tradition.
So mark your calendars and prepare for what promises to be a night filled with dazzling displays, impressive talents, and the crowning of the new queen as Santa Cruz de Tenerife revels once again. The community is poised for yet another fantastic Carnival experience.