Las Marchilongas: A Carnival Tradition Celebrating 40 Years of Consistency

Las Marchilongas, an adult carnival group in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, celebrates 40 years of participation in the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival. Led by Keyla Jerez Reyes, the group has built a unique identity rooted in resilience, community spirit, and a deep love for carnival festivities. Keyla emphasizes the importance of enjoying the carnival and fostering a supportive environment for its members.

Keyla began her carnival journey at a young age in the children's group, Los Bambas, before joining Las Marchilongas. She has been involved with the group since childhood and took on the leadership role when the opportunity arose. Despite her mother's concerns about her age, Keyla believes the group's focus is on enjoying the carnival and creating a strong sense of community through intergenerational friendships.

The group has faced challenges over the years, including interruptions caused by the pandemic, but Keyla highlights the importance of staying united. She views the essence of Las Marchilongas as its people, making every rehearsal and performance meaningful.