San Francisco, CA – March 10, 2025 – Excitement is building as the reigning Carnaval San Francisco King and Queen, Yeison Jimenez and Monica Mendoza, prepare to crown their successors, marking the start of the 47th Anniversary of Carnaval San Francisco, themed “AfroMundo: African Diaspora in the Americas” on May 24-25. The highly anticipated Carnaval San Francisco King & Queen Dance Competition will take place on Saturday, April 5, from 5-7 p.m. at its new home, Casa de Carnaval (683 Florida Street, San Francisco). Join Carnaval San Francisco in person or via livestream for an unforgettable celebration of culture, dance, and artistry. Secure your tickets now, HERE.
A Celebration of Dance, Culture, and Competition
The Carnaval San Francisco King & Queen Competition is a vibrant, fun-filled dance-off and coronation, judged by Bay Area master artists and community dance leaders. Contestants captivate audiences with majestic movements rooted in Latin American, Caribbean, and African traditions, offering a fantastic opportunity for attendees to learn Carnaval dance steps ahead of the May festival.
Rodrigo Durán, Executive Director of Carnaval San Francisco, shared, “The recent Mardi Gras kick-off was a great success, and we are excited for the second event of the season, which signals the fun and excitement leading up to the Carnaval San Francisco Festival and Grand Parade. This year’s competition will be especially inspiring, as it will take place in our new Casa de Carnaval and Indigenous Peoples Cultural Arts Healing Center—a space dedicated to celebrating our cultural heritage. The festival not only brings pride and joy but also serves as a vital economic driver, fostering community engagement and boosting San Francisco’s economy.”
Key Prizes and Responsibilities for the Carnaval King & Queen Contestants
“Carnaval King and Queen” contestants will be scored on their dance technique, festive costumes, Carnaval spirit, and their ability to engage the audience in the celebration. The winners will assume the prestigious role of Official Ambassadors of Carnaval San Francisco, featured on their dedicated float during the Grand Parade, which attracts over 500,000 attendees from around the world. Throughout their one-year reign, the King and Queen will make regular appearances at Carnaval-sponsored events and will have their own Royalty Float at the Grand Parade. In addition to this honor, top performers will receive a $500 cash prize and gain visibility through appearances on TV, radio, newspapers, social media, and websites across the Bay Area and beyond.
Due to limited space at the live in-person competition at Casa de Carnaval, we encourage the public to purchase their tickets now. Tickets for the King and Queen Competition are $27 (in-person) and $10 (livestream). Visit: https://carnavalsanfrancisco.org/special-events/ to secure your tickets, as they are in high demand and tend to sell out quickly. Don’t miss this entertaining, fun and crowd-pleasing event!
Visit www.carnavalsanfrancisco.org for additional details about the Carnaval San Francisco King and Queen Competition, along with information about all the events leading up to Carnaval San Francisco, Saturday and Sunday, May 24-25, 2025.
Carnaval Social Media: Instagram; Facebook; YouTube
Note to editors:
King and Queen Poster Image
Link: Poster King & Queen Dance Competition 2025
Graphic Design: Gino Squadrito of LC Design
Photographer: Juanse Méndez
###
Media Contacts:
De Alba Communications
Victoria Sanchez De Alba | (650) 270-7810
Jackie Wright | (415) 525-0410
Chase Roberts | (415) 385-8072