Disney is creating a new princess and this time around she’s Hispanic.
Disney introduced their first Latina princess with the new animated television series Elena of Avalor. According to ABC news, the series focuses on Elena of Avalor a “brave and adventurous teenager who has saved her kingdom from an evil sorceress and must now learn to rule as crown princess until she is old enough to be queen.”
“She’s still underage so she’s not yet ready to rule and so, she just has the challenge of taking care of her family and this huge kingdom and have this awesome responsibility,” said actress Aimee Carrero, who is the voice of Elena, told ABC Good Morning America.
The series will focus on stories that center around Hispanic traditions, foods and customs related to Latin and Hispanic cultures. It will also include original music ranging from Latin pop, salsa and banda.
Carrero’s mother is Dominican and her father is Puerto Rican. She said it means “absolutely everything” for her to get cast and play the first Latina princess. “Disney’s been in my family for a very long time and just to see my own images represented, my own culture represented, is really special and I hope it will be for everybody watching,” she said.
“What I love most about Elena is she’s her own hero,” Carrero added. “There’s no ‘Prince Charming,’ so I hope people at home watching will just be inspired her sense of self, her confidence and her leadership.”
The series premieres Friday, July 22 at 7 p.m. ET on Disney Channel. Carrero, 27, sings Elena’s anthem, “My Time.”
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