Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar expressed her excitement on Thursday after meeting Marianela Ancheta, the newly crowned Miss Universe Cuba 2024, who will represent the island nation in the renowned international pageant. Salazar took to her social media to emphasize the symbolic significance of her compatriot's participation, highlighting Cuba's absence from official representation in the competition for over five decades due to the oppressive Castro regime.
"Amidst the campaign, I was thrilled to meet Marianela, Miss Universe Cuba, who will stand for the free Cubans at Miss Universe," the congresswoman remarked in her post. Salazar underscored her pride in seeing a representative from the Cuban exile community take the stage at the pageant, scheduled for November in Mexico City, Mexico.
The Significance of Marianela's Participation
Salazar's message highlights the crucial importance of this event for the Cuban community, showcasing the strength and resilience of those who have left their homeland in pursuit of liberty. "I wish her the best!" she concluded, showing her support for Marianela as Cuba returns to the Miss Universe scene after a 57-year hiatus.
Marianela Ancheta, 31, hails from Villa Clara and represented the Central Region in the Miss Universe Cuba contest. From the moment she was chosen as a contestant, she emerged as a frontrunner for the title. She outshone 23 other contenders, ultimately surpassing Alina Robert, the first runner-up.
Marianela's Journey and Career
Alongside her modeling career and work as a brand ambassador, Marianela is also an entrepreneur with her own skincare line. She emigrated at the age of 13 with her mother, both crossing the Mexican border to reach the United States. "I come from a very humble family with limited opportunities, and my inner child can't believe what I'm experiencing," she shared with EFE, as reported by Telemundo.
"At 19, I spent Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve cleaning bathrooms at a Walgreens. It was very sad, but look at how things have changed," she recounted in the interview.
Personal Life and Future Prospects
In her personal life, Marianela was previously linked to Cuban singer Dale Pututi and has recently been rumored to be involved with Colombian soccer player James Rodríguez, though neither has confirmed or denied the relationship. Currently residing in Miami, Florida, Marianela is part of a social circle that includes notable Cuban celebrities like Kuki Delgado, daughter of singer Alexander Delgado.
This 73rd edition of Miss Universe will be especially significant as it allows, for the first time, the participation of women over 28 years old, as well as mothers and women with children. This new rule has enabled Marianela to compete. During the pageant, reigning queen Sheynnis Palacios will pass the crown to her successor.