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Disney’s first Latina princess is inspiring, brash and bold — so brown and undefeated
Elena of Avalor is running her country in the make-believe world
Disney did it again. From Pocahontas to Princess Jasmine to Mulan to Princess Tiana, the entertainment company has been serving up a little spice over the years through its animated female heroines.
Now, Disney has introduced Princess Elena of Avalor, a confident and compassionate teenager in an enchanted fairy-tale kingdom, inspired by diverse Latin cultures and folklore. She’s Disney’s first Latina princess, and we get her.
Little girls often identify with characters who look like them and share their same heritage. Allowing diversity in the world of Disney princesses teaches diversity in a space where differences can be made in the black and brown communities.
On July 22, Elena of Avalor hit the scene on the Disney Channel. The series is about a Latina princess and her family.
According to a press release, the teenage Princess Elena has saved her magical kingdom, Avalor, from an evil sorceress and must now learn to rule as its crown princess. Elena’s adventures will lead her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience and compassion, the traits of all truly great leaders. Since she is only 16 years old, she has a grand council composed of her grandparents, her older cousin, Chancellor Esteban, and a new friend, Naomi, all to give her advice along the way.
The role of Princess Elena is voiced by Aimee Carrero from the Freeform series Young & Hungry.
Aimee Carrero attends the screening of Disney Channel’s Elena of Avalor on July 16 in Beverly Hills, California.
Photo by JB Lacroix/WireImage
“What excites us most is the chance to use distinctive animation and visual design to tell wonderful stories influenced by culture and traditions that are familiar to the worldwide population of Hispanic and Latino families and reflect the interests and aspirations of all children as told through a classic fairy tale,” said Nancy Kanter, executive vice president and general manager of Disney Junior Worldwide.
The series will be presented in 25 languages on Disney Junior channels and daily programming blocks for kids ages 2 to 7 years old on Disney’s channels, among other platforms, in 154 countries around the world.
Elena of Avalor is a spinoff of Disney’s Sofia the First, which has delivered the two highest-rated telecasts in cable TV history among kids/girls ages 2 to 5 years old.