Cuba is returning to Miss Universe after 57 years. The Caribbean nation will again form part of the competition after a long absence, which saw the pageant banned in 1960 due to political and financial tensions tied to a U.S. embargo against Cuba.
Recent developments, including the organization’s CEO Anne Jakrajutatip‘s expressed interest in visiting Cuba and a new Miss Universe Cuba Instagram account, hinted at a potential return for Cuba. Then came the announcement by the official MUO account of the new Miss Universe Cuba director, Venezuelan fashion designer Prince Julio César.
Miss Universe Cuba has officially kicked off its virtual casting. Those interested in participating can fill out a form and submit three pictures. The eligibility criteria state that contestants must either be born on the island or have one Cuban parent, with no age limit. Applications are open until May 26.
In an interview with America TeVe’s La Mesa Nostra, Prince Julio César credited renowned Cuban Beauty Czar Osmel Sousa, a key figure within the organization, for his new role as Cuba’s director.
This news comes as the world of beauty pageants was rocked by the recent resignations of Miss USA Noelia Voigt, who cited mental health reasons, and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava, who resigned in the same week. Srivastava said after resigning that her “personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.“
This year’s Miss Universe pageant will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, in Mexico.
