Las Palmas de Gran Canaria’s vibrant Carnival celebrations reached a dazzling climax this weekend with the crowning of Drag La Tacones as the new Drag Queen. The gala, marking the 50th anniversary of the iconic festival, saw Kevin Doramas Jiménez Moreno, known as La Tacones, seize the title after a fiercely competitive event held at Parque de Santa Catalina. The win is particularly poignant as it coincides with a milestone year for the Carnaval Internacional de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
The Gala Drag Queen competition, a cornerstone of the Las Palmas Carnival, featured 12 performers vying for the coveted crown. La Tacones’ winning performance, titled “Hoy voy a ser yo! Aunque el mundo no esté preparado…” (Today I’m going to be me! Even if the world isn’t ready…), was a powerful tribute to flamenco artistry, specifically honoring the legendary Lola Flores. More than 4,000 spectators witnessed the spectacle, captivated by a performance that blended tradition with a bold statement of self-expression.
“Winning the Gala Drag Queen of the Carnival in its 50th anniversary is a dream and I almost can’t believe it,” La Tacones said following the announcement, as reported by Cadena SER. The newly crowned queen dedicated the victory to her family, friends, team, and designer Nancy Henríquez González, who was unable to attend. She plans to celebrate by embracing the spirit of flamenco and, as she place it, “getting drunk.”
The competition wasn’t just about spectacle; it also addressed crucial social issues. Drag Shíky secured the first runner-up position with a performance advocating for dignified housing and protesting against vacation rentals. Drag Ácrux took second place with an ironic homage to Elvis Presley, although Drag Sequins earned the third spot with a critique of cosmetic surgery. Drag Ígnea rounded out the top five, delivering an ode to Wakanda, the fictional African nation from the Marvel universe, and presenting a pink panther as a symbol of diversity.
La Tacones had already received recognition for her perform, having been awarded the prize for best design during the pre-selection round on January 30th, according to La Provincia. The gala itself featured improvements with the incorporation of LED screens, enhancing the visual experience for both the live audience and television viewers.
The event was hosted by Roberto Herrera and Yanely Hernández, who brought a balance of levity and professionalism to the proceedings. The Gala Drag Queen is a significant event in the Las Palmas Carnival, and this year’s edition was no exception, drawing large crowds and generating considerable excitement.
As the new Drag Queen, La Tacones will embark on a national tour with the indicate “This is Drag,” a prize awarded with the title. The competition also saw the outgoing Drag Queen, Ármek, pass the crown to La Tacones in a moving ceremony. The four runners-up – Shíky, Ácrux, Sequins, and Ígnea – also received accolades for their performances.
The success of this year’s Gala Drag Queen underscores the event’s continued relevance and its role as a platform for artistic expression, social commentary, and celebration of diversity. The Las Palmas Carnival, now in its 50th year, continues to evolve while remaining a vibrant and cherished tradition. The event has become a global reference point for drag art and a symbol of freedom and spectacle within the capital’s festivities, as noted by Murgas Canarias.
Looking ahead, La Tacones’ reign promises to bring a fresh perspective to the role of Drag Queen, and her national tour is expected to further elevate the profile of the Las Palmas Carnival. The impact of her performance, celebrating flamenco and honoring Lola Flores, is likely to resonate throughout the remainder of the carnival season and beyond.
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