Tenerife Carnival Appoints Youngest Artistic Director

Paula Álvarez, 29, has taken on a significant role: artistic director for the children's and seniors' galas at the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival. She is the youngest professional ever to hold this position in the celebration's history. Her appointment marks a milestone for one of the world's most important carnivals, which is recognized as a Festival of International Tourist Interest.

Álvarez is no stranger to the carnival scene. She comes from a family deeply involved in the event; her grandfather, Enrique Álvarez, was president of the rondalla Los Fregolinos, and her father, Fernando, was also a rondalla member in various groups. Her connection to the festival began in childhood, doing small jobs like handing out programs. This early experience gave her a deep understanding of how the carnival works. After studying Marketing and Advertising, she climbed the ranks in the Festivals department, moving from a page and technician role to a producer, before finally becoming a director.

For her first time directing the galas, Álvarez introduced distinct ideas for each. The children's gala was designed to be fast-paced and visually engaging. The seniors' gala, on the other hand, focused on humor, irony, and a strong sense of shared experience across generations. This seniors' event was a personal tribute to her maternal grandparents, Adelita and Baltasar, who played a crucial role in her childhood. She used elements like the opening music, storytelling, and everyday humor – inspired by afternoon soap operas – to create a warm, heartfelt atmosphere of closeness and respect.

Álvarez's vision for the Carnival stands out because she's always looking to improve things and isn't afraid to be critical. She believes in updating the formats, having real conversations with the various carnival groups, and finding new ways to innovate without losing the festival's true spirit. Her approach is marked by high standards and a refusal to simply accept things as they are. This pushes her to listen to the different groups and work towards agreement on changes, rather than sticking to the old excuse of "it has always been done this way." This mindset, along with her local "neighborhood" roots and academic training, gives her a unique perspective in managing cultural events.

The children's gala, her first, was dedicated to Pepe del Rosario, the Festivals manager and right-hand man to Juan Viñas, who had passed away just days before. Living in the Southwest district, Paula Álvarez stays true to her roots. She plans the festival's future by blending its emotional heritage with a clear desire for fresh ideas. Her journey, from starting at the very bottom to directing these major galas, represents a story of dedication and a deep commitment to a celebration that is more than just a show – it's a vital cultural cornerstone for Santa Cruz de Tenerife.