Tenerife has a new Carnival Queen after a spectacular night where the secrets of Africa came to life at the Recinto Ferial, and Elizabeth Ledesma Laker was crowned Queen of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 2025.
The gala featured some of Canary Islands' best orchestras and a performance by Orishas, with a packed audience of 7,000 attendees eager to witness one of the most iconic moments of the year.
Elizabeth Ledesma Laker dazzled in the fantasy costume “Conexión”, a stunning design by Alexis Santana, who achieved his first win in the adult queen category.
The competition brought together eleven candidates, each presenting breathtaking designs. The event reaffirmed its status as a major attraction of the Santa Cruz Carnival, drawing international attention and reinforcing its global appeal.
The title was officially bestowed by Santa Cruz Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez, alongside Fiestas Councillor Javier Caraballero and outgoing Queen Corina Mrakez González, in a moment that marked the official start of street celebrations.
With the Queen now crowned, the much-anticipated Cabalgata Anunciadora (Opening Parade) is set to take over the city streets tomorrow, Friday, 28th February.
The Queen’s Court of Honour
Elizabeth Ledesma Laker will reign over the Carnival alongside her court of honour, made up of:
First Lady: Laura Fernández Ruiz, wearing “Gotas de cielo”, designed by Sedomir Rodríguez de la Sierra.
Second Lady: Marta Pérez Baute, in “El cielo y tú”, created by Santi Castro.
Third Lady: Ainhoa Díaz Sánchez, dressed in “La Fontaine”, a design by Juan Carlos Armas.
Fourth Lady: Michelle Castro Adrián, wearing “Origen”, crafted by Jorge González Santana.
A Night of Spectacle and Celebration
The event officially kicked off at 9:30pm. The stage transformed into a mystical African savanna, with smoke, acrobatics, and traditional chants setting the atmosphere. The opening sequence depicted a tribal queen surrounded by wildlife, including suricates, giraffes, and eagles, all brought to life through dynamic choreography. The highlight was the arrival of the lion, king of the savanna, accompanied by a vibrant drum performance.
However, the slow pace of the opening failed to fully captivate the audience, who expected more dramatic turns. The energy picked up as the first group of contestants took the stage, followed by an interlude featuring Caña Dulce, winners of the First Prize for Interpretation in the Musical Groups category.
The show continued with an orchestral performance of “Circle of Life”, a nod to The Lion King and the Carnival’s African theme. Following the introduction of the final group of contestants, the jury withdrew to deliberate.
A Grand Finale
As anticipation built, all major Canary Islands orchestras took the stage for a high-energy musical performance, finally igniting the crowd’s enthusiasm. The night also featured Carmen Cabeza, who brought a touch of humour, and the performance of Trapaseros, winners of the First Prize for Interpretation in the Adult Murgas category.
In a powerful conclusion, batucadas and carnival dancers filled the venue, leading up to the grand moment: the crowning of the Queen. To the rhythm of Orishas, the eleven contestants made their final appearance, and the title of Queen of the Secrets of Africa was revealed.
With Elizabeth Ledesma Laker now holding the crown, the spirit of Carnival 2025 is officially alive, setting the stage for weeks of festivities, parades, and revelry in the streets of Santa Cruz.
