Cuban-Born Arlena Rubí Mantecón Hernández Opens Tenerife Carnival Queen Gala

Arlena Rubí Mantecón Hernández will open the parade of candidates for Adult Queen of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival on the Exhibition Center stage. At just 20 years old, this student, who was born in Cuba and lives in Santa Úrsula, represents the Añaza Carrefour Shopping Center. She will wear the fantasy costume "Luminis," created by designer Santi Castro. Arlena describes herself as cheerful, down-to-earth, and very family-oriented. She tackles every challenge with enthusiasm and says she always keeps an open mind and a desire to learn in all areas of her life.

– What made you decide to become a Carnival Queen candidate?

"It all started thanks to my makeup artist, Marc Philguer. He encouraged me to get involved in the Carnival and take the step to enter, even though I didn't really know how the process worked back then. After he suggested it, Santi Castro contacted me for an interview, and finally, it all became real. Thanks to that initial push, I'm now living an experience many of us dream of, and for me, it's truly a dream come true."

– How do you prepare each day since finding out you were a candidate?

"I'm preparing for the gala with great excitement, focusing on both my physical fitness, thanks to my trainer Hernán, and my mental state. As the big day gets closer, the pressure builds, but I try to face it calmly and enjoy the journey. Being the first candidate on stage is a huge responsibility. You kick off the gala and experience all the emotions at once. Even so, I feel ready and have a strong mindset, embracing every rehearsal and every detail of the Carnival with eagerness, and enjoying the experience to the fullest."

– Three qualities of your designer, Santi Castro?

"He is incredibly creative, approachable, and above all, extremely hardworking."

– How would you describe your fantasy costume, without giving anything away?

"Luminis is a fantasy costume born from light and has its own powerful presence. From the very first moment I step onto the stage, it will radiate energy, elegance, and a lot of magic, captivating the audience."

– Street Carnival or group Carnival?

"Honestly, I would choose both. Street Carnival represents spontaneity, creativity, and joy, while group Carnival shows the effort, passion, and talent behind each performance. Both are fundamental and essential for the Carnival to be what it is."

– Favorite Carnival group?

"I don't have one specific favorite group. However, for the past couple of years, I've been experiencing the Carnival more intensely and from a closer perspective, paying more and more attention to the details and the work behind each performance. That's why it's hard for me to pick just one, as I believe all groups bring something special to the Carnival and have their own value, making them all, in a way, my favorites."

– Your perfect costume

"I usually prioritize staying warm during Carnival, because we know it's not the time to dress too lightly. So I would choose a comfortable and warm costume, nothing too complicated, designed more for enjoying and laughing than for looking pretty. I always try to go with my friends in coordinated costumes so we all match, stay warm, and most importantly, have a great time together."

– What would you bring to Santa Cruz de Tenerife if you were Carnival Queen?

"As Carnival Queen, I would bring, above all, a lot of enthusiasm, approachability, and commitment. I would love to be a queen who proudly represents our culture and traditions. Although I wasn't born here and am Cuban, I've lived this whole process with great affection and excitement, and I already feel like one more 'chicharrera' (a local term for someone from Santa Cruz de Tenerife). I would always carry the name of Tenerife, Santa Cruz, and its Carnival with pride wherever I go, representing it with respect, responsibility, and much love."