Cozumel Carnival 2012 has officially kicked off and the new King and Queen were elected at a spectacular event last night.

Andrés Canul "Cholin" and Karla Angulo were voted the proud winners against a backdrop of thousands of screaming carnival fans.

The six candidates all appeared in magnificent multi-colored carnival costumes, demonstrating why they thought they should represent more than 130 years of carnival tradition in Cozumel.

Their breathtaking outfits were full of fantasy and magic and captured the audience with the music and movement.

After their incredible performances, the votes were counted in the small hours, according to the long tradition of Carnival that has been handed down from generation to generation on the island.

In a clear result, Andrés and Karla were elected King and Queen and will proudly take to their carnival thrones.

Those that missed last night's event will have a chance to see the new royalty again next Saturday night, when the winners make their next appearance at the Moby Dick hall.

The full list of queen candidates was Karla Isela Angulo Carrillo, Diana Minú Díaz González and Marcela Jael Escalante Romero, and for king, Andrés Iván Canul López "Cholin", Sergio Márquez Chulim and Juan Francisco Be Chí "Panchito".