Santa Cruz de Tenerife's May Festivities Queen Advocates for Knowledge-Based Tourism

The young woman, who balances her hotel work with a passion for traditions, emphasizes the importance of visitors appreciating Canarian culture and heritage.

Image of a traditional Canarian costume, highlighting the details of the attire.
IA

Image of a traditional Canarian costume, highlighting the details of the attire.

The newly crowned queen of Santa Cruz de Tenerife's May Festivities, a young woman with deep roots in Canarian traditions, advocates for a tourism model that prioritizes knowledge and respect for the cultural and natural heritage of the islands.

The young woman, recently crowned queen of the May Festivities, balances her work at a hotel in southern Tenerife with her master's studies and her deep-seated passion for local customs. Since childhood, she has been closely linked to celebrations such as Carnival and the May Festivities of Santa Cruz, a bond that has strengthened over the years.
Her participation in the May Festivities contest came about after meeting designer Acorán López, who selected her as a candidate. This process has been a challenge, combining her work and academic responsibilities with the preparations for the reign, but she assures that the effort has been worthwhile.

"If tourists know the value of Teide, of our volcanoes or our traditions, they will take better care of it. If someone visits the Canary Islands and understands the natural and cultural importance it holds, it completely changes the way they relate to the territory."

the May Festivities queen
In her vision of tourism, the young woman criticizes the current mass tourism model, which she considers detrimental to the islands. She proposes a 'knowledge-based tourism,' where visitors understand and value the place they are stepping on. This approach, which she already explored in her final degree project, seeks sustainable alternatives, such as volcanic tourism, to foster greater respect for the environment.
She also highlights the potential of Canarian traditions as an integral part of the tourist experience. She would like to take traditional costumes to international fairs like Fitur, convinced that cultural authenticity can be a great attraction and an opportunity to showcase the islands' identity.
Her connection to traditions dates back to her childhood, when her grandmother made her peasant costumes. During her preparation for the May Festivities, she delved into the knowledge of Canarian attire, discovering historical details thanks to her designer's expertise. Her dream is, in the future, to also be queen of the Carnival, a festivity she experiences with great intensity.