The Arts

San Francisco Carnaval selects its king and queen

by Jesus Arriaga March 30, 2024, 9:20 pmApril 2, 2024, 10:51 am

Participants in vibrant costumes with crowns and bouquets on a stage, suggesting a pageant or celebration. — Carnival King Yeison Andres Jimenez and Carnival Queen Monica Mendoza pose at Carnaval San Francisco King and Queen Dance Competition at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024. Photo by Jesus Arriaga

Seventeen dancers competed today at KQED’s headquarters to rule the realm of San Francisco’s Carnaval, which will take place May 25 and 26. In the end, the crowns went to Yeison Andres Jimenez, from Colombia, and Monica Mendoza, from Peru.

Woman in white dress performing traditional dance on stage. She competes to rule Carnaval. — Carnival Queen Monica Mendoza performs at Carnaval San Francisco King and Queen Dance Competition at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024. Photo by Jesus Arriaga.

Traditional dancers performing with white handkerchiefs on stage. She competes to rule Carnaval. — Carnival Queen Monica Mendoza performs at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024. Photo by Jesus Arriaga.

Two Carnaval dancers performing energetically on stage in colorful costumes. — Carnival King Yeison Andres Jimenez performs at Carnaval San Francisco King and Queen Dance Competition at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024. Photo by Jesus Arriaga.

A male and female dancer in traditional vibrant costumes performing onstage. — Carnival King Yeison Andres Jimenez performs at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024. Photo by Jesus Arriaga.

A dancer in colorful costume performing with a dramatic expression under stage lighting. — 1st runner-up Queen Leticia Imehana performs at Carnaval San Francisco King and Queen Dance Competition at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024. Photo by Jesus Arriaga.

Woman performing a traditional dance with a colorful scarf. She is competing to rule Carnaval. — 1st runner-up Queen Leticia Imehana performs at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024. Photo by Jesus Arriaga.

Performer in elaborate costume and headdress on stage with focused expression. He is competing to rule Carnaval. — 1st runner-up King Juliano Wade performs at Carnaval San Francisco King and Queen Dance Competition at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024. Photo by Jesus Arriaga.

Performer in an elaborate costume and headdress on stage. — Juliano Wade performs at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024.Photo by Jesus Arriaga.

A performer in traditional indian dance attire smiling on stage. She is competing to rule Carnaval. — 2nd runner-up Queen Jazz-Ylaine Baptiste performs at Carnaval San Francisco King and Queen Dance Competition at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024. Photo by Jesus Arriaga.

A performer in vibrant, traditional costume smiling widely while dancing on stage. — 2nd runner-up Queen Jazz-Ylaine Baptiste performs at Carnaval San Francisco King and Queen Dance Competition at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024. Photo by Jesus Arriaga.

Performer in a red sequined jacket and white hat striking a pose on stage. — 2nd runner-up King Chris Cornelius performs at Carnaval San Francisco King and Queen Dance Competition at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024. Photo by Jesus Arriaga.

Performers on stage with a man in a pink hat and vest and a woman in black attire. He is competing to rule Carnaval. — 2nd runner-up King Chris Cornelius performs at Carnaval San Francisco King and Queen Dance Competition at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024. Photo by Jesus Arriaga.

A vibrant crowd waving flags and holding up pictures at a public event. — Colombian cheering section at Carnaval San Francisco King and Queen Dance Competition at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024. Photo by Jesus Arriaga.

Shirtless performer with tattoos on a stage. — Pablo Dinamico performs at Carnaval San Francisco King and Queen Dance Competition at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024.Photo by Jesus Arriaga.

Video by Jesus Arriaga.

A shirtless performer with a purple headband and wrap gestures expressively on stage. — Pablo Dinamico performs at Carnaval San Francisco King and Queen Dance Competition at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024. Photo by Jesus Arriaga.

A performer executes a dynamic dance move on stage. — Antionette Spillers performs at Carnaval San Francisco King and Queen Dance Competition at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024. Photo by Jesus Arriaga.

Performer in colorful feather costume on stage. — Aimee Rose performs at Carnaval San Francisco King and Queen Dance Competition at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024. Photo by Jesus Arriaga.

Performer in vibrant feathered costume dancing on stage. — Orlando Sanchez performs at Carnaval San Francisco King and Queen Dance Competition at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024. Photo by Jesus Arriaga.

Performer in colorful feathered costume dancing on stage. — Mulu Tsega Senshaw performs at Carnaval San Francisco King and Queen Dance Competition at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024. Photo by Jesus Arriaga.

A child in vibrant traditional attire with feathered headdress playing drums on stage. — Itzae Zarate performs at Carnaval San Francisco King and Queen Dance Competition at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024. Photo by Jesus Arriaga.

Dancer in vibrant red attire performing on stage. — Adelina Palacio performs at Carnaval San Francisco King and Queen Dance Competition at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024. Photo by Jesus Arriaga.

Dancer performing on stage in a red costume. — Adelina Palacio performs at KQED headquarters on March 30, 2024. Photo by Jesus Arriaga.

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