Kristel Quinde es coronada Reina de Guayaquil en España 2026-2027 en una noche de gala en Madrid

In a vibrant celebration held in Madrid, Kristel Rita Quinde Velásquez emerged as the newly crowned Reina de Guayaquil en España for the term 2026-2027. This prestigious title was awarded during the fourteenth edition of the annual gala event, which has grown to become the longest-standing cultural pageant honoring Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, on Spanish soil.

The event took place at Espacio Ronda, a well-known venue located in the heart of Spain’s capital, where Ecuadorian heritage was prominently showcased through music, traditional dance, and costumes. The gathering served as both a cultural showcase and a platform to reinforce the ties of the Ecuadorian diaspora with their homeland.

Kristel Quinde, a 21-year-old student, distinguished herself not only during the evening’s competition but also in the weeks leading up to the event. Alongside fellow contestants, she actively promoted Guayaquil’s rich cultural and tourist attractions across various locations in Madrid, engaging with local communities and organizations to raise awareness and appreciation for the city often referred to as the “Pearl of the Pacific.”

The pageant featured four distinct presentation segments, where candidates exhibited diverse facets of their personalities and cultural identity. These included casual wear in denim, swimwear, elegant formal gowns, and traditional Guayaquil attire. The latter was specially crafted in Ecuador to reflect the city’s unique heritage, adding authenticity and visual impact to the evening’s proceedings.

Completing the honors of the night, María Delia Ligua Villalovos was named Virreina de Guayaquil en España, while Doménica Lisbeth Flores Parrales received the title of Estrella de Octubre 2026, both titles recognizing outstanding qualities among the contestants.

The ceremony incorporated an audiovisual presentation highlighting the journey of the participants before the final night. This retrospective included visits to prominent Madrid landmarks, meetings with Ecuadorian migrant associations, and encounters with event sponsors, all of which underscored the community-driven nature of the pageant.

Additionally, the event served as a moment to bid farewell to the outgoing queen, Ainhoa Samanta Gutiérrez Rodríguez. Her tenure in 2025 was marked by a dedicated commitment to social initiatives within the Ecuadorian community in Spain, and her efforts were formally acknowledged during the gala.

This yearly cultural event continues to play a significant role in maintaining and promoting Ecuadorian identity among expatriates. It also highlights the importance of cultural diplomacy and grassroots engagement as tools for strengthening international community bonds.

While details about the future initiatives Kristel Quinde plans to undertake as the new Reina de Guayaquil en España remain limited, her prior involvement suggests a continued focus on cultural promotion and social outreach within the Ecuadorian community in Spain.

As the pageant maintains its status as a key cultural fixture in Madrid, it exemplifies how traditional celebrations can adapt and thrive within diaspora contexts, offering a platform for young leaders like Quinde to emerge as ambassadors of their heritage.