The Queen is one of the most important figures of the Barranquilla Carnival, with several leaving a mark on the event. Credit: museocarnavalbaq / Instagram
The Barranquilla Carnival selects a queen each year to represent its grand celebration. Each queen leaves a lasting impression on the people of Barranquilla and its visitors, embodying the spirit of joy and celebration. The role of the carnival queen dates back to 1819, and some continue to serve as ambassadors of the festival.
Traditionally, the queen must come from one of the city’s wealthiest families. Each year, daughters of the city’s elite compete for the title, showcasing performances and preparations to prove to the Barranquilla Carnival Foundation that they have the skills and resources to be crowned queen.
Here are some of the most iconic queens in the history of the Barranquilla Carnival.
Five iconic queens of the Barranquilla Carnival
Silvia Tcherassi
Silvia Tcherassi, the renowned Colombian fashion designer, was crowned Queen of the Barranquilla Carnival in 1986 at the age of 21. Since then, she has left an unforgettable mark on the fashion industry, known for her bridal collections and footwear.
Her reign is one of the most memorable for the people of Barranquilla. During the coronation ceremony, held at Paseo Bolívar, the queen wore the fantasy entitled ‘Girasol Real’. Many Barranquilleros still remember her Batalla de Flores, where she paraded alongside the Cumbiamba La Cipote Vaina, one of the most important folkloric groups in the city. That same year, Esthercita Forero, known as the bride of Barranquilla, composed the song “Silvia, su Carnaval” for her. After her reign, Tcherassi devoted herself entirely to the fashion industry.
Daniella Donado
Daniella Donado was crowned Queen of the Barranquilla Carnival at the age of 22 in 2007. During her reign, she stood out for her energy and dancing ability, which made her one of the most beloved and remembered queens of the carnival. Her reign gave her great recognition and paved the way for a successful career in Colombian television.
She has had a distinguished career as an actress, presenter, and model in Colombia. She appeared in television series such as Oye Bonita, Tierra de Cantores, La Madame, Los Protegidos, and Pambelé. She was also a contestant on the reality show Desafío 2014: Marruecos, las mil y una noches.
Giselle Lacouture
Giselle Lacouture was crowned Queen of the Barranquilla Carnival in 2010. During her reign, she stood out for her energy and charisma, actively participating in various cultural and folkloric activities. Lacouture is known for her love of art and culture, and she has worked to promote Colombian folklore through her participation in events and artistic projects.
She is remembered for her simplicity and humility, as well as her iconic song “¡Llego la reina!”, which still resonates during every carnival.
Andrea Jaramillo Char
Andrea Jaramillo Char was the Queen of the Barranquilla Carnival in 2012. Hailing from the powerful Char family, Andrea participated from a very young age in the carnival comparsas, starting at the age of eight. During her reign, she was known as the “queen of a million kisses” and left an indelible mark on the memory of the people of Barranquilla. Her experience as queen opened many doors and allowed her to empathize with others and enjoy life with warmth and humanity.
After her reign, Andrea continued to shine as a television presenter and participated in projects like Aventura Gastronomica Colombia, a docu-reality on Sony Channel that explores different regions of the country in search of typical dishes.
Marcela Garcia Caballero
Marcela Garcia Caballero was crowned Queen of the Barranquilla Carnival in 2016. Although she was initially rejected by the community for not being a skilled dancer, her charisma and love for the tradition led her to become one of the most beloved queens of all time. Since childhood, she had been involved in the carnival, participating in parades and cultural events.
In addition to her role as queen, Garcia is now an influencer and social communicator. She has worked on various social and fashion projects. Recently, she collaborated with the brand Seven Seven to launch a fashion collection. She is also known for her podcast “La Joya de la Corona”, which she co-hosts with her mother, Mirella Caballero, who was also a queen of the carnival in 1982.