The 2024 Miss Universe pageant gave Cuba a significant reason to rejoice, and actress and host Aly Sánchez eagerly expressed her excitement after witnessing Marianela Ancheta's achievement of ranking among the world's top 30 most beautiful women. "What a pride to see Cuba represented so well for the first time! We won because you made it into the top 30, which is easy to say but not to achieve," Aly shared on her social media, accompanying her message with photos and videos capturing the moment she experienced alongside fellow Cubans.
In her post, the actress highlighted that Marianela performed "everything flawlessly" and that her participation in the pageant showcased the best of Cuban culture and resilience. "We won because millions of Cubans found hope and dreams in you; we won because you embody everything that's right," she expressed, making it clear how proud she is to have supported the model from Villa Clara from the very beginning.
The post by Aly sparked social media with admiration and excitement over the Cuban representation. "Indeed, Cuba won last night; what you achieved shines brighter than any prize," one user commented; "Our queen dazzled on those runways," noted another, while many emphasized that Marianela left a mark in the competition's history: "You made history, Marianela, and you will always be our Miss Universe."
Despite not advancing to the top 12, Marianela Ancheta's participation marked a turning point, as Cuba returned to Miss Universe after a 57-year hiatus. Marianela, who had already stated on Instagram that "this is only the beginning for everything we will achieve," received support not only from Cubans but from people across Latin America.
Aly Sánchez's support for Marianela is not new. Back in September, the actress and host celebrated her selection as Miss Universe Cuba 2024 with great enthusiasm and shared how she encouraged her to join the pageant. Their connection has remained strong, and there's no doubt that both celebrate this achievement as a collective triumph for Cubans inside and outside the island.
Though the crown went to the representative from Denmark, Marianela gained something even more valuable for Cubans: recognition, joy, and national pride. As one follower on social media put it, "Cuba as a whole, both inside and outside the island, dared to dream; Marianela, you made history."