Puerto de la Cruz Crowns 2026 Carnival Queen and Grand Dame

Puerto de la Cruz has strengthened its important position in the Canary Islands Carnival calendar, especially after naming its representatives for the 2026 celebration. At an event held last Thursday, February 12, Marta del Carmen Febles Méndez was crowned Adult Queen, and María de la Paz Real Hernández became the Grand Dame. These two figures are central to the tradition and glamour of the festival.

Marta del Carmen Febles Méndez won the Adult Queen title for the 2026 Carnival. She wore a costume called 'Ritmo de la Noche' (Rhythm of the Night), designed by Zara Díaz Mendoza. Díaz Mendoza, who is also the president and founder of the Bahía Bahitiare troupe from Santa Cruz, chose to focus her creative energy on the Puerto de la Cruz gala this year, rather than participating in the capital's event. Her design was sponsored by IMESAPI and AQUALIA. Febles Méndez's court of honor included Gara Gómez González, who wore 'Soberana de la Grandeza Dorada' (Sovereign of Golden Grandeur) by Fran Yanes, and Miriam Hernández Carballo, who presented 'I Love You Puerto de la Cruz', a design by Juan Sousa Da Cruz representing Loro Parque.

For the Grand Dame title, María de la Paz Real Hernández was the winner. She showcased a costume named 'Alma y Pasión' (Soul and Passion), created by Yaiza Trujillo and Raúl Hernández. Her entry was supported by several sponsors: El Chiquillo Lottery Administration, Friends of the Valley Neighborhood Association, Mango Juice Bar Cafeteria, and the Water Brotherhood. In the Grand Dame's court of honor were Concepción Luis González, wearing 'El Secreto de la Vida' (The Secret of Life) by José Martín and Antonio García, and María Josefa Barreto Castro, who presented 'Oro Puro' (Pure Gold), also designed by Zara Díaz Mendoza. This category is important because it honors those who have consistently participated in the Tenerife Carnival for many years.

The gala itself was more than just an awards ceremony; it was a full show featuring various artistic performances. Baraberé's percussion group performed 'En busca de la piedra del Sol' (In Search of the Sun Stone), and the Carabao Wayana troupe presented a dynamic, large-scale dance. Wild Dance showed off their precise moves, and Orquesta Swing Latino played the official Carnival song, keeping the festive mood alive. Tenerife singer Neo Pinto closed the musical part of the evening, blending Latin pop, urban rhythms, and ballads for a modern feel. Artistic directors Sergio López and Itahisa García created a visually stunning show that matched the Mexican theme, mixing modern spectacle with traditional carnival fun.

Local officials stressed how important the event is. Mayor Leopoldo Afonso called the Carnival one of the town's key features and a vital cultural and economic boost. The Councillor for Festivities, Luis Javier González, praised the teamwork that helps each Carnival grow in terms of participation and artistic quality. This shows Puerto de la Cruz's goal: to use its Carnival to bring together different generations and cultures, making it more than just a party, but a symbol of shared identity.

The crowning of the Queen and Grand Dame is just the beginning of many events leading up to one of Puerto de la Cruz's most anticipated traditions: Mascarita, Ponte Tacón, which is set for next Friday.