Marianela Ancheta Makes History as Miss Universe Cuba, Ending Nearly Six Decades of Absence from the

 

"I want to inspire young girls, especially Cuban girls, to follow their dreams," said Ancheta in an interview with Latin Times. With mental health advocacy as her platform, she has committed to launching workshops and initiatives encouraging open discussions on the topic. "Seeking help is not a weakness; it's a strength," she emphasized.

 

 

 

The event also featured familiar faces, including Alina Robert, a former semifinalist of Nuestra Belleza Latina (2014) and former co-host of Sabado Gigante. Representing Havana, Alina earned the first runner-up spot and is well-known for her role in the Disney+ series The Roar of the Butterflies.

 

Maylin Hernández, representing Miss Granma, claimed second runner-up. A former National Ballet of Cuba dancer, Hernández brought her impressive background to the competition.

 

 

The pageant began with contestants wearing blue dresses and performing a dance routine to a medley of iconic songs by Celia Cruz, performed by Grammy-winning Cuban artist Aymée Nuviola. Nuviola continued her live performance during the swimsuit segment.

 

Cuban singers Lenier and Génesis provided a captivating musical backdrop as contestants transitioned from swimsuits to evening gowns.

 

Pageant guru Osmel Sousa, known for his work with the Miss Venezuela franchise and now a member of the Miss Universe Organization, had the honor of crowning the new beauty queen. Reflecting on Cuba’s last Miss Universe finalist, María Rosa Gamio Fernández, who achieved third runner-up in 1957, Sousa said, "I hope tonight's winner can replicate, if not surpass, her success."

 

 

Marianela Ancheta is now the official representative of Cuba for the highly anticipated 2024 Miss Universe competition, set to take place in Mexico City on November 16. Marianela will proudly represent her country, hoping to bring home the coveted crown and end Cuba's near 60-year absence from the pageant's top honors.

 

The reigning Miss Universe, Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua, will pass on her title during the grand event.

 

 

In 2024, Miss Universe will break records, with over 100 countries competing. Anne Jakrajutatip, co-owner of the organization, announced that the competition will feature a massive group of national directors who have signed up for this year’s contest.

 

The 73rd edition of the pageant will be hosted in Mexico, which has previously hosted the event in 2007, 1993, 1989, and 1978. “I look forward to seeing what Mexico has to offer. El Salvador will be a tough act to follow!” said Amy Emmerich, CEO of the Miss Universe Organization.

 

New rules for the 2024 competition include the removal of age limits for contestants, allowing all women over 18 to participate. This change is intended to promote inclusivity and diversity, providing women of all ages the opportunity to showcase their talents and represent their communities on the prestigious stage.