Carnival in Santa Cruz isn’t something you just throw together last minute.
And for 2027, they’ve already decided who’s running the show.
Familiar Names Back in Charge
Enrique Camacho is back to lead the Queen’s Galas.
That’s the big one… plus the opening gala as well.
He’s done it before, stepped away for a few years, and now he’s back in. No surprises there… he knows how it works.
At the same time, Yeray Piñero stays on running the competitions and working directly with the Carnival groups.
So overall… not a shake-up. More a case of sticking with what already works.
Experience Over Experimenting
The council is calling it a “commitment to excellence”.
Which, translated, means they’re not taking risks this time.
Camacho’s got a solid background with big productions, both here and at the Auditorio. Musicals, large-scale shows… he’s not new to any of it.
And Piñero has already proven himself with the competitions side, especially in how he connects with the groups… which is half the job.
Two Different Jobs, Same Goal
Carnival really has two main parts:
The big, polished galas everyone watches
And the competitions, where the groups are at the centre of it
They’ve split that responsibility clearly… and kept experienced people in both roles.
Makes sense.
The Real Test
On paper, it’s a safe setup.
The question is whether “safe” means solid… or a bit predictable.
Carnival’s a tricky one. You need tradition, but you also need something new each year or people lose interest.
They’ll be aiming to balance both… but that’s easier said than done.
If You Follow Carnival
This is one to keep in mind.
These early decisions shape everything that comes later… from the style of the galas to how the competitions feel on the night.
2027 might sound a long way off.
It isn’t.