Canadian-born Niki Malina vies for the crown

2009 Carnaval Queen candidate Nicole Natalie Malina - Niki for short -was born in Vancouver, Canada on June 7, 1991. She’s in her last year of high school at Instituto Cultural de Occidente, majoring in chemistry/biology and physics/mathematics. Read on to learn more about Niki in her own words. Niki’s candidacy is another example of the growing multi-culturalness of Mazatlán, and M! is proud to be her official print sponsor.

How I got here:

“When I was 12 years old, my mother, younger brother and I moved to Mazatlán. I didn’t know anyone and didn’t speak the language. After several months I decided (or maybe was obligated by my mother) to go to school at Instituto Anglo Moderno. (I had been doing Distance Education through Canada). Within a year I picked up the language just by being surrounded by it and by the real necessity I had of learning it. There are many things I’ll never get used to, like the cockroaches and the chaos on the roads. But after five years, I’ve fallen absolutely in love with this wonderful city - the beautiful beaches, the pleasantly warm weather, the atmosphere I’ve found nowhere else, and above all, the people.”

My background:

“Both my parents and my older brother, who are Canadian citizens, were born in the Czech Republic, where my family originally comes from. Thanks to them I also speak Czech and I’ve been able to get to know that culture first-hand as well. I love spending my vacations there visiting friends and family.”

In my spare time:

“My favorite thing to do is skiing, but since that’s not possible here I’ve taken up volleyball. I also love going to the beach, hanging out with friends and spending time with my family. I do some modeling, too.”

How I got involved in this:

“One day I received a call from Cultura suggesting I could be a candidate for Carnival Queen. Several people had recommended me. My mother and I talked it over and decided to seize the day and just go for it! I’d always dreamed about being in the parade, high up on a float, waving at the crowd wearing a beautiful dress and a crown. The next day I handed in my application form and that was it.

Schedule of Events & Appearances

Each candidate sells a limited number of tickets to the Carnaval and Floral Queen Coronations, two separate events. These must be purchased directly from each candidate as ticket sales are counted as part of the competition. Prices vary from $100-$330. To purchase or for more info, contact Niki at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , the M! office at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call us at 668-2521.

One of the easiest and most fun ways to support Niki is to be part of her entourage in the processions and parades. Just show up or join in! Her official color is royal blue, and official T-shirts will be available soon. As of press time, details were not available for these events. Watch for posters and articles in the local papers. We’ll also post info online as it becomes available.   

Dec. 6 – Parade, Rosario, Escuinapa. Time TBA.

  Dec. 11- Parade, Zona Dorada. Time TBA.

  Jan.9 - Parade, Mazatlán. Time TBA.

   Feb. 6 – Election & Coronation of the Queens