The Plaza de la República Dominicana hosted last night the Proclamation of the Queens for the San Francisco de Asís Festivities. This event is one of the most anticipated moments of the weekend celebration in the island neighborhood, following the suspension of initially planned recreational activities in August.
The protagonists of the ceremony were the new Queens: Lucía del Carmen Pino Alonso, Junior Queen; Naiara de la Cruz Antolí, Youth Queen; and Gabriela Acosta del Carmen, Senior Queen. They were accompanied by their respective Courts of Honor.
One of the most emotional moments was the imposition of the mantillas (traditional veils) to the new Queens. Participating in this act were the mayor of Isla Cristina, Jenaro Orta; the Councilor for Festivities, María del Carmen Beltrán; and the president of the San Francisco Neighbors Association, Lorena Silva Cazorla. The outgoing Queens, Laura Gómez Santos (Junior) and Almudena Pérez Domínguez (Youth), accompanied this symbolic handover. Lucía del Carmen Pino Alonso received the mantilla from the outgoing Junior Queen, while Naiara de la Cruz Antolí was proclaimed before the outgoing Youth Queen.
The moment was met with a large applause from the numerous residents who attended. Representing the City Council, besides the mayor and the Councilor for Festivities, were Deputy Mayor Isabel López, Deputy Mayor Gerardo Ramos, and councilors María Botello and Mateo J. Rodríguez. Members of the San Francisco Neighbors Association, led by its president, as well as representatives from collaborating groups and entities, also joined the celebration.
The Councilor for Festivities, María del Carmen Beltrán, thanked the work of the Neighbors Association, the Pro-Hermandad, and all collaborators. She particularly highlighted the efforts of Rocío and María with the Courts of Honor, noting it as work that “is often unseen” but involves “many hours” of dedication and care. Beltrán encouraged residents to enjoy the celebration and participate actively, also thanking María José, the event's presenter, for her consistent willingness to collaborate.
Mayor Jenaro Orta expressed his satisfaction with the celebratory evening and emphasized the significance of these festivities for the neighborhood. "What we have experienced tonight is what the neighborhood means," he stated, valuing the year-round work of its residents. He particularly thanked Lorena Silva, her board of directors, collaborators, presenters, the Courts of Honor, and various municipal services like the Local Police and Civil Protection.
Jenaro Orta affirmed that "It is an honor and a pleasure for us to be at the San Francisco festival every year," concluding with "Long live San Francisco de Asís! Long live all its Courts of Honor! And long live Isla Cristina!".
The president of the San Francisco Neighbors Association, Lorena Silva Cazorla, thanked the City Council for their presence and collaboration, and also acknowledged the involvement of residents, entities, groups, and businesses that contribute to making these festivities possible. Silva encouraged everyone to enjoy and participate in the various scheduled events.
Following the proclamation, the Plaza de la República Dominicana continued to host music and activities, in an evening marked by emotion, community spirit, and tradition, where the entire neighborhood once again demonstrated its commitment to the festivities that are part of the identity of San Francisco de Asís.
