culture

Santa Cruz de Tenerife carnival to feature its own drag gala

The gala is scheduled to occur during the Carnival's Piñata and will be hosted in Plaza de La Candelaria.

The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council, in collaboration with the Departments of Equality and Diversity and Festivities, is launching the inaugural ‘Dragnaval’ event. This exciting addition to the Carnival 2024 street program is set to take place on Piñata Friday (16 February) from 21:00 in Plaza de La Candelaria.


This event aims to bridge the gap between the LGTBIQ+ community and the general public, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Open to individuals over 18 residing in the Canary Islands, no prior experience in entertainment is required for participation.

Interested participants should register via the organization’s email at galadragnaval@gmail.com. The registration window opens on 1 February at 12:00 noon and closes on 15 February, as announced by the City Council in a press release.

The gala presentation ceremony was graced by the presence of the councillor for Equality and Affective-sexual Diversity, Gladis de León; the councillor for Festivities, Javier Caraballero; and the gala host, Exhuberancia Carey.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife carnival to feature its own drag gala

Gladis de León expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We host the best Carnival in the world, and now, the most inclusive one. The LGTBIQ+ community has always been a part of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival. This competition provides an excellent platform for members of this group to display their talent and creativity.”

Javier Caraballero, the councillor for Festivities, reflected on the historical contributions of the LGTBIQ+ community to the Carnival, applauding their art and dedication that have enriched the festival over the years.

‘Dragnaval’ is more than just an event; it’s a socially significant initiative aimed at promoting diversity and tolerance, as well as raising awareness about sexual and gender diversity. The council views this as an opportunity for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to engage in the Carnival, thereby enhancing its inclusivity and societal representation.

Exhuberancia Carey, the director and presenter of the event, expressed gratitude to the city council for recognizing and giving visibility to an essential segment of the Carnival community.

In keeping with this year’s Carnival theme of ‘Television’, participants are encouraged to submit television-themed fantasies or musical numbers, further integrating the contest’s allegory with the overall theme of the celebration.


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