Young Helena Martínez Alba, aged 18, has been chosen by popular vote as the new Queen of the Santa Pola Festivals 2026. The gala, held at the El Palmeral auditorium, was attended by a large representation of municipal authorities, led by mayor Loreto Serrano and councillor for Festivals Nely Baile, as well as guests from other towns and associations.
The Court of Honor will be composed of Reyes Giménez Cascales, Estefanía Martínez Navarro, Eva María Pomares Palao, and Fabiola Sempere Martínez. The five candidates paraded twice, first in evening gowns and then in the traditional gala fisherwoman's attire, a symbol of the town's maritime culture.
During the event, the 2025 Court of Honor, led by Queen Mother Mayte Sánchez Maciá, bid farewell, sharing their experiences during their year of reign through an emotional video.
Singer Soraya Arnelas entertained the evening with her show "Iconismo Tour 2026", a review of her musical hits that included songs like "La noche es para mí".
The voting process involved ballots cast by the attending public, and the count was conducted by municipal officials in the presence of the candidates' family members. Finally, mayor Loreto Serrano announced the verdict, bestowing the sash and golden scarf upon the new Queen, while councillor Nely Baile and the president of Moros y Cristianos, María Asunción Pérez, did the same for the Maids of Honor.
The election of the Queen Major is the first of the trilogy of coronations. Today, Sunday the 16th, the election of the Junior Queen and Maids will take place, with the participation of five girls and the show "30 years of illusion". Tomorrow, Monday the 17th, the gala to choose the Senior Queen and Maids will be held, featuring a tribute to Julio Iglesias.
