In Puerto Rico, beauty contests are almost a national sport. Some countries take pride in their football team, here, beauty queens are given caravans that can paralyze the city. There are even dedicated Missiologists who analyze and critique the smallest details of every queen. So it’s not a surprise that Puerto Rico will be hosting its fourth Miss Universe pageant from November 8th to the 24th.
The 75th edition of Miss Universe
120 beauty queens from all over the world are expected to compete in this 75th edition with the final being held in the José Miguel Agrelot Colisseum (El Choliseo) in Hato Rey. The delegates will be staying at different hotels and participate in events in Aguadilla, San Juan and Ponce.
Miss Universe Museum- 2nd floor, Plaza las Américas
This year, Puerto Rico will hold the very first Miss Universe Museum. This exhibit, on the second floor of the Plaza las Américas shopping center, will feature 600 items including historical crowns, national costumes and pageant wear. Entry is free of charge
Oct. 13- Nov. 23 (closed Mondays) 11am to 7pm
A bit of beauty history
The Miss Universe pageant began in 1952. Puerto Rico has had 28 representatives classify in the finals, including 5 winners, 16 runners-up, and 12 semi-finalists. With 5 wins, Puerto Rico is the third participating nation with the most wins behind USA (9 wins) and Venezuela (7 wins).
The Pageant of Pulchritude
The title “Miss Universe” was first used by the International Pageant of Pulchritude in 1926. This contest was held annually until 1935, when the Great Depression and other events preceding World War II led to its demise. The current Miss Universe pageant was founded Pacific Knitting Mills, a California-based clothing company and manufacturer of Catalina Swimwear. Now you know the reason there’s always a swimsuit chapter in most beauty contests.
The competition
The final competition is almost sold out but as of post date there are still tickets available for the preliminary and the national costume competitions. If you can’t get into any of the competitions, don’t worry, Puerto Rico has plenty of natural beauty to admire.
Official Miss Universe Puerto Rico competition schedule:
Nov. 21, 7pm: National Costume Pre-Show*
Nov. 22, 7pm: Preliminary Competition*
Nov. 24 8pm: Final Competition & Crowning Gala*
These events will be held at the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in Hato Rey.
*Ticketed events. Purchase tickets here: ticketera.com
Additional Miss Universe Puerto Rico events.
Nov. 11: Official Welcome– Aguadilla Bayfront
Nov. 12: Delegate Luncheon – Vivo Beach Club.
Nov. 12: Fátima Bosch Meet and Greet and Exhibition – The Miss Universe Experience, Plaza Las Américas
Nov. 13: Beauty on the Beach – Caribe Hilton Hotel.
Nov. 14: Luz de Esperanza: Universo Rosa en Puerto Rico – Aloft Ponce.
Nov. 16: Puerto Rico, Belleza que Trasciende el Universo – Parque Forestal La Marquesa, Guaynabo
Nov. 17: Regalos del Universo: Un pedazo de cada país en PR – SER de Puerto Rico, Hato Rey.
Nov 18: Delegate Luncheon for the Miss Universe Delegates – Vivo Beach Club.
Nov. 20: Una noche por la memoria. Alzheimer, Autismo – Un compromiso con el futuro – Caribe Hilton Hotel.
