The Lanzarote Charlot, Juan Medina, celebrates almost 40 years dressing up in the Carnival of the island. Medina, originally from Gran Canaria, began as one of the undisputed protagonists of the 'Carnival of Lanzarote' in 1985, from which time he has been dressing up as this mythical character, the world icon of the silent film era. "I usually dress up as Charlot, although I have also gone out as 'Cantinflas', the 'Marx Brothers', and some other character", Medina revealed to La Voz.
His age, 82 years, is not an impediment to continue pursuing his goal with passion: to live the Carnival every year as if it were the last. "I have been with the same illusion for many years, and despite my age, I am still very excited to be able to dress up in each Carnival", he pointed out.
He declares himself a lover of the Canarian Carnival and recognizes that he will continue with his tradition until the end of his days. "I love Carnival and I will dress up until I die". A festivity that gives him joy and with which he enjoys to the fullest. "It gladdens my soul", he pointed out to the newspaper.
He dresses in a suit that he has been recycling every year. Striped pants, mustache, cane, vest, tie, shirt and a hat, is the wardrobe that accompanies Medina in all his performances. "When I put on the clothes I don't know what's going on around me, I'm very into the character", he revealed. He keeps the outfit very carefully and year after year, he uses it again in each Carnival. "When the party is over I send the suit to be cleaned and I reuse it for the next year", he added proudly.
"I love Carnival and I will dress up until I die"
He has not lost the desire since he began to dress up in his youth. Years that have passed almost without him realizing it. "Every year I have more illusion than before, it seems that I started yesterday", he recalled during the interview. A carnival career that has made him earn the affection of the entire public. "Everyone appreciates me", he recognizes with enthusiasm. Every year, children, adults, young people and even foreigners ask to be portrayed with him and recognize him on the street. "People are delighted with the character, so much so that they take many pictures of me", he acknowledged.
New costume for the 'Carnival of 2025'
The traditional attire that accompanies him every year, will suffer a modification next year. As he has told La Voz, he has the need to modify some of the elements of the suit. "Next year I would like to give a twist to the costume, change the hat and vest and also, add some details and novelties", he says. He confesses that dressing the same way can become boring. "I've been dressing with the same one and I want to give it a different touch".
The most special moment of his entire career as a comedian was participating twelve years ago in the proclamation of the Carnival of Arrecife. Although he remembers that it was a very rewarding experience, he would have liked to give another approach to the entrance of the Carnival. "I wanted to make a more personal proclamation and be able to talk about each of the important people for the festivity", he stressed.
Now he is enjoying his retirement and free time with his family, but without losing that young spirit that characterized him and still does. With retirement "I am living well", but I take the opportunity to dedicate myself to what "fills me". "I like all the Carnivals of the island, they all have their thing and they always treat me very well", the man wanted to thank.
In addition to dressing up, he has worked as a cook in the Army for 25 years, and also, acting in shows, communions, etc. Very accustomed to familiarizing himself with the public and offering guaranteed fun. For this 'Carnival 2024', he already has the program ready to which he is going to dedicate himself fully. "I am invited to the Gala de Tías, I am going to the first Carnival which is the one of Arrecife and to the parades of Playa Blanca, Haría, Tinajo, etc. I always sign up for everything, I even do several interviews in the media", one of the things that makes him especially excited.
For him, Carnival has already begun. Several have been the events that have allowed him to kick off the traditional festivity. "Last Saturday I already dressed up in a gala, in which they gave me an award and it was very beautiful", he said. In addition, last week he toured Arrecife from several points, until he was photographed with Rosana in the busiest areas of the city center.
The several recognitions that Lanzarote has given him is "what encourages me to continue", he says. Plaques in recognition of his hobby, his name in one of the rehearsal centers for the carnival, and various tributes from the groups, are some of the gratifications that the man has collected after sowing years of entertainment and joy during the Carnival.
