

Elena Sánchez Alcaraz @elenasanche.z

Elena, it is a true privilege for Perumira to welcome you to our pages. You have taken on two remarkable titles, Embajadora Cultura Continental 2026 and Miss Cultura Continental Europa 2026, carrying with you not only the recognition of two crowns, but also the responsibility of representing culture, identity and connection on a broader stage. Today, we want to discover not only the queen behind these titles, but also the woman who gives meaning to them, her vision, her values and the story she wants to build through this extraordinary new chapter.

1.- Elena, there are moments in a journey that stop belonging solely to one person and become part of something much bigger. When you realized that you had won both the Embajadora Cultura Continental 2026 and Miss Cultura Continental Europa 2026 titles, what was the first emotion that came over you?
It was a mixture of emotion, disbelief, and immense gratitude. When I heard my name and realized that these two crowns had become part of my story, I felt that every moment of effort, learning, and preparation had finally come full circle. But above all, I thought of the people who have accompanied me throughout this journey. A crown may be worn by one person, but behind it there are always many hands, many words of advice, and a great deal of love.
2.- Some crowns represent an achievement, while others seem to carry a mission with them. What does wearing the title of Embajadora Cultura Continental 2026 mean to you, and what responsibility do you feel behind those words?
For me, it is much more than a title. Being Continental Culture Ambassador means having the opportunity to speak about our roots, our traditions, and everything that makes us different, while also recognizing what can unite us. I feel a responsibility to represent culture with respect, sensitivity, and authenticity. I want my reign to inspire curiosity in others and to show that learning about different cultures is also a way of growing as individuals.

3.- Becoming Miss Cultura Continental Europa 2026 also takes your journey onto a much broader stage. What does it mean to you to move from representing a cultural identity to showcasing it within a European perspective?
I see it as an enormous privilege. Europe is a continent shaped by many different histories, languages, traditions, and ways of understanding life, and that diversity is precisely where its richness lies. Wearing this title means representing my own identity while never forgetting that I am part of something much greater. I would like to become a bridge between cultures and convey the idea that our differences do not have to divide us; they can become our greatest strength.
4.- Elena, today we want to discover the woman behind these two crowns. What has changed within you since you earned them?
I think what changed most was the way I understand responsibility. Before, I saw the crown as a goal; now, I see it as a starting point. It has made me even more aware of who I am, what I want to communicate, and the example I want to set. I have also learned to trust myself more. I am still the same Elena, with the same dreams and values, but today I have a voice that I want to use for something greater than myself.

5.- Culture does not live only in great monuments or historic traditions. It can also be found in the way we speak, celebrate, dress, create and connect with one another. What small but meaningful part of your own culture would you love for the world to discover?
I would love for people to discover more of those small everyday gestures that we often take for granted: the way we gather around a table, the importance we place on sharing, talking, celebrating together, and making someone feel at home. I believe that a very authentic part of our culture lives in those moments. We do not always need a great monument to explain who we are; sometimes a conversation, a song, or a shared meal is enough.
6.- If you had to explain to someone from another continent why Europe is so culturally fascinating, but you could only use three images, what would those three images be?
I would choose a European square filled with people of different nationalities, because it represents our coming together; a historic building alongside a modern city, showing how Europe lives with both its past and its present; and finally, a table surrounded by people sharing food and conversation. To me, these three images represent history, diversity, and humanity. And I believe those three words beautifully capture what makes Europe so fascinating.

7.- Being an ambassador means representing, but it also means listening. Is there a culture, tradition or story from another country that you would especially love to discover more deeply during your reign?
There are many cultures I would love to discover, but I am especially curious about those that have managed to keep their traditions alive despite the enormous changes in society. I would like to understand how younger generations preserve and reinterpret them. I believe that traveling is not simply about visiting places; it is about listening to the people who live there and understanding what their traditions and history mean to them.
8.- Imagine that you have a completely open schedule and can organize a major European cultural gathering bringing together young people from different countries. What kind of experience would you create so that everyone would leave feeling part of the same story?
I would create a kind of cultural festival where every young person would bring a small part of their culture: a song, a family story, a recipe, a dance, a photograph, or even a word with special meaning to them. Then, together, we would create a collective piece that brought all those contributions together. I would want everyone to realize that they do not have to give up their identity to feel part of a group. On the contrary, they would discover that a shared story can be built precisely from many different stories.

9.- These two crowns have arrived at a very special moment in your journey. What aspect of your personality or professional preparation do you feel you now need to take to an even higher level in order to live up to both titles?
Without a doubt, my ability to communicate. An ambassador needs to know how to speak, but also how to listen and understand. I want to learn to use my voice in an increasingly conscious way, not only to express what I think, but also to share messages that can inspire others. I also want to continue working on my confidence and my ability to face new challenges without losing my authenticity.
10.- When a queen receives a crown, photographs capture the moment — but the real reign begins afterward. When people eventually look back on your time as Embajadora Cultura Continental 2026 and Miss Cultura Continental Europa 2026, what would you love them to remember most?
I would like to be remembered as a queen who was approachable, authentic, and committed. But above all, I would like people to remember something I did, rather than simply something I wore on my head. If, when my reign comes to an end, I can look back and feel that I helped someone become interested in another culture, feel proud of their roots, or simply believe in themselves a little more, I will know that these crowns truly had a purpose.

11.- There is something particularly beautiful about seeing a queen’s story continue to evolve. If you could send a message to the Elena who was still dreaming of achieving a title like this, what would you tell her today?
I would tell her not to be afraid to dream big, but never to allow a crown to define her worth. I would tell her to enjoy the journey, even the difficult moments, because they are often the ones that teach us the most. And I would also tell her to trust herself a little more. Sometimes we need time to show us that we are capable of things that, at one point, seemed impossible.
12.- Imagine Europe becoming a great cultural runway for one day, with you chosen to open it. What message would you want to communicate with that very first step?
I would say: “Let us walk together without leaving our roots behind.” I believe that perfectly represents what I want to convey throughout my reign. We can be proud of our culture, our history, and our traditions while remaining open to discovering and respecting those of others. To me, true elegance lies in knowing who you are while having the sensitivity to appreciate who someone else is.

13.- Elena, you now have two crowns, but behind them there is surely an even greater dream. What chapter would you like to write during this reign so that these crowns become not only an achievement, but the beginning of something truly unforgettable?
I would like to turn this reign into a chapter of learning, meaningful encounters, and projects that can continue beyond the title itself. I dream of bringing culture closer to young people and showing them that our roots are not something from the past, but a living part of who we are. I want to take every opportunity to learn, share, and build bridges. And when these crowns are no longer on my head, I would like something even more meaningful to remain: a small but lasting mark on the people I have had the privilege of meeting.
These crowns represent an achievement that makes me incredibly happy, but they also represent an open door. And I am very excited to discover everything that lies on the other side.


IDIOMA: EN
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Interview conducted by Jaime Mybs with Elena Sánchez Alcaraz – Spain
English language
Interview authorized : Elena Sánchez Alcaraz – Perumira – Jaime Mybs
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