One of Colombia’s largest festivals, the Barranquilla Carnival, has chosen its new beauty queen at the end of a three month competition.
18-year-old journalism student Clarissa Maria Torres was named the Carnival’s “Queen of Queens” on Saturday as the Caribbean city readies itself for the inauguration of the world famous four-day event on 1 March.
“I’m very happy to be the ambassador for joy in my city,” said Torres after she was awarded the crown of the historic festival that paralyzes the city with its elaborate parades, traditional orchestras, comedy festivals and a display of some of the country’s most famous dances.
Chosen from five finalists who each represented a different neighborhood of the city, the Barranquilla-born Torres received ,among other prizes, a University scholarship, a motorcycle and $1500.
The carnival, which in 2003 was named by UNESCO as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity,” kicks off with the “Battle of the Flowers” and is known for the free spirit and energy of festival goers and participants alike.
Last week, Barranquilla’s mayor announced that costumes considered offensive to the dignity or integrity of political figures — a popular form of expression by many people — would be banned, although attendees wearing the traditional “marimondas”, an outrageously colored mask sporting an elongated nose, will still be allowed.
MORE: Mayor of Baranquilla bans ‘vulgar’ costumes at Carnaval
The event is considered the world’s second largest after Rio de Janeiro’s world-famous carnival.
Sources
- Barrio El Campito, Reina de Reinas 2014 (Carnaval de Barranquilla Press Release)
- Clarissa Torres Barrios, nueva reina de reinas del Carnaval de Barranquilla (Caracol Radio)
- Nueva reina de reinas del carnaval de Barranquilla (Vanguardia)