Miss World Tenerife Carla Castro Vies for Carnival Queen
Carla Castro Castellano, a 24-year-old from El Sauzal with a background in tourism, marketing, and beauty pageants, has been announced as the fifth contestant in the Latin Rhythms category for the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival Queen Gala.
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival Queen Gala, a key part of the internationally recognized festival, has a new contestant. Carla Castro Castellano, 24, from El Sauzal, is the fifth candidate in the Latin Rhythms category. Her entry not only adds another name to the competition but also shows how the carnival tradition is blending with professional backgrounds and global ambitions.
Carla has a degree in Tourism from the University of La Laguna and a European master's in International and Digital Marketing. Beyond her studies, she's also a talented athlete and beauty queen. She played national-level basketball for over twelve years and is Miss World Tenerife 2023, meaning she'll represent the province in the national competition in 2026. These achievements show she's a well-rounded candidate, not just someone who will walk on stage.
Becoming Carnival Queen has been Carla's dream since she was a child, a dream she shared with her mother. Winning Miss World Tenerife gave her the chance to pursue it, connecting her with designer Alexis Santana, who is creating her elaborate costume. Carla praised the dedication of her team, calling Santana a passionate and thoughtful designer.
Her costume, called "Icónica" (Iconic), is designed to be more than just a gala outfit; it aims to be a memorable part of Carnival history. Carla has been deeply involved in creating it from the start, even traveling to Turkey to choose materials. This hands-on approach highlights the significant effort and dedication that goes into the Carnival's biggest productions.
Carla's preparation is extensive, covering both her physical fitness with a trainer and nutritionist, and her artistic presentation, working closely with her designer. This thorough approach ensures her entry will be both visually stunning and perfectly performed. She also credits sponsors McDonald's and El Día, whose support has been crucial in making her candidacy possible.
Carla appreciates both the lively street atmosphere of the Carnival and the efforts of the groups who preserve its traditions. If she wins, she hopes to be a Queen who connects closely with the public, sharing the festival's spirit and proudly displaying her costume to represent the heart of the chicharrero Carnival.