Disney Channel(NEW YORK) — Disney is introducing its first Latina princess with the new animated television series, Elena of Avalor.
The series focuses on the adventures of the title character, who’s described as being “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,” says actress Aimee Carrero, who’s the voice of Elena.
The series will tell stories that draw on the traditions, foods and customs of Latin and Hispanic cultures. Magic, mythology and folklore will also play an important role, and each episode will include original songs in a number of Latin musical styles including Latin pop, salsa and banda.
Carrero’s mother is of Dominican decent and her father is Puerto Rican. Carrero says it means “absolutely everything” for her to 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 says.
“What I love most about Elena is she’s her own hero,” Carrero adds. “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.”
Elena of Avalor premieres Friday, July 22 at 7 p.m. ET on Disney Channel. Carrero, 27, also sings Elena’s anthem, “My Time.”
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