A citizen proposal suggests that the space previously occupied by the Franco monument in Santa Cruz de Tenerife should host a large sculpture dedicated to Carnival, inspired by the iconic fantasy 'Tajaraste' by Leo Martínez, Queen of Carnival in 1987.
The site that housed the monument to Francisco Franco for decades in Santa Cruz de Tenerife could have a new occupant. A citizen proposal, driven by Luis Alonso through social media, suggests that this location be transformed into a large permanent monument to the chicharrero Carnival, using the historic fantasy 'Tajaraste', designed by Leo Martínez, as a model.
The idea has garnered support from Mónica Raquel Estévez, the queen who showcased that creation on stage in 1987, when she won the crown representing Almacenes El Kilo. For her, 'Tajaraste' is much more than a costume: it is a symbol of a golden era of the festival.
A Fantasy That Marked an Era
Considered by enthusiasts as one of the most emblematic fantasies in the history of the Santa Cruz Carnival, 'Tajaraste' has become a true icon over the years. Its design, bold and full of colour, marked a turning point in the election galas for the Queen.
The proposal suggests reutilising part of the existing structure of the old monument to transform it into a permanent tribute to the festival. According to Luis Alonso, the idea would involve integrating the current sculptural elements to recreate the figure of the Queen 'Tajaraste' over the silhouette of the island of Tenerife, while also maintaining the existing water system at the site.
A Project with a Citizen's Stamp
The conceptual project also includes converting the back wall into a representation of the five districts that make up Santa Cruz de Tenerife, through five waterfalls that would symbolically flow into the Atlantic. Additionally, it is proposed to incorporate elements linked to carnival identity, such as musical symbols or figures of dancers.
This is, however, a citizen initiative without official status. Nevertheless, the debate over the future of this space—charged with historical symbolism—remains open, and proposals like this reflect the desire of many locals for Carnival, one of the hallmarks of the Tenerife capital, to finally have a permanent monument worthy of it.
For Carnival lovers, the idea is a dream. For skeptics, perhaps a whim. But the truth is that, while the City Council decides the fate of that site, Leo Martínez's 'Tajaraste' has already returned to reign, at least, in the imagination of the chicharreros.
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