A total of 578 Cuban women participated in the virtual casting that concluded last Sunday, from which 20 young women will be selected to represent Cuba in its return to the Miss Universe pageant after a 57-year absence. According to the Miss Universe Cuba Instagram account, the applicants came "from all over the world: Cuba, Dubai, Ecuador, Chile, Venezuela, Spain, Colombia, and other countries where the Cuban community is present."
The organizers of the pageant expressed their happiness and announced that they are already working "on the preselection of this year's potential official candidates." The Venezuelan designer Prince Julio César will lead the Miss Universe Cuba pageant, which will be held in Miami, marking the historic return of the Caribbean nation to the beauty contest after almost three decades of absence.
According to the fashion advisor, the 20 selected contestants, aged between 18 and 28, will undergo a three-month prior preparation. He pointed out that in the virtual casting, they were looking for intelligent women with "a message to deliver."
A Historic Return
From its first edition in 1952 until 1960, Cuba was an active participant in the Miss Universe contest. However, the prohibition by the regime led to the representatives from 1961 to 1967 competing under the name Miss Cuba Free, exiled in Miami. Elina Salavarría De Mora was the last woman to represent Cuba in 1967.
The 73rd edition of the Miss Universe pageant, which highlights beauty, grace, and cultural diversity on an international level, will take place in Mexico in 2024, as reported by the news portal Hola!.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Return to Miss Universe
With Cuba's historic return to the Miss Universe pageant, many are curious about the details and implications of this event. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why is Cuba returning to Miss Universe after such a long absence?
Cuba is returning to Miss Universe after a 57-year absence due to the lifting of a regime prohibition that prevented Cuban women from participating in international beauty contests.
Who is leading the Miss Universe Cuba pageant?
The Venezuelan designer Prince Julio César is leading the Miss Universe Cuba pageant, which will take place in Miami.
When and where will the 73rd edition of Miss Universe be held?
The 73rd edition of Miss Universe will be held in Mexico in 2024.