MATANZAS, Cuba. – Mary Celia González Larios, a 24-year-old Spanish-Cuban, is one of the faces of the catwalks in beauty pageants in Spain, a country where she arrived in 2016.
Although her parents were afraid of her becoming a model, the young woman found her calling in it at the age of 15. In Cuba she worked for the Sol del Caribe company for a period of two years.
With studies in Sales Management and Commercial Spaces and specialization in Accounting, Digital Marketing, among other related branches, she is part of the National Beauty Pageant of the Iberian nation that is held annually to choose who will represent Spain in other events such as Miss Global and Miss Intercontinental.
―When did you become professionally involved in beauty pageants?
―Since I was a little girl, I enjoyed beauty pageants with my family, but it wasn’t until last year that I began to live this wonderful experience professionally. I had the support of incredible teachers who guided me and brought out my potential, both on the catwalk and in communication, protocol and other areas.
―On June 11, 2023, you were crowned Miss Intercontinental Ávila in Spain, and that same year you were runner-up in the National Beauty Pageant. What did these achievements represent in your career as a model?
―Winning Miss Intercontinental Ávila last year was one of the most satisfying feelings for me, it represents my beginning in this adventure and is proof that with effort and sacrifice we are capable of obtaining wonderful experiences. El Nacional [de Belleza] It was one of the best experiences of my life: I experienced what I really wanted, which was to represent Spain at an international level.
―This year you joined the list of competitors in the Miss Intercontinental representing the province of Alicante for the second time. How was this experience?
―Being the public image of its culture, diversity and people was flattering. Returning to participate in the pageant this year was a very difficult decision; there were obstacles and responsibilities that kept me from this dream. I am currently living in the capital and I am a restaurant manager and my commitment to work did not allow me to be away or have flexibility in my schedule.
Also, returning to the same competition after almost having been successful was not an idea that I had in mind. However, I couldn’t stay at home without knowing if I would be able to do it and so it was. My friends and family encouraged me to try again. Representing Alicante, the place that welcomed me and showed me what I can become, excited me and gave me much more strength.
―What is the most complex thing in the world of beauty and modeling?
―The most difficult thing is to combine a personal life of responsibilities with preparation for your dream.
―Beauty pageants have been heavily criticised for the beauty standards imposed on them and the physical and mental consequences for those who participate. What is your opinion on this?
―Over the years, beauty pageants have evolved so that women do not represent just a pretty face, but something more, such as female empowerment. The value as a leader in a society is something we look for and evaluate, an intelligent girl, a leader in what she does, empathetic, a social communicator through whom others can reflect.
There are people who don’t know what a beauty pageant is nowadays; they still have these ideas that there are many physical standards that are harmful. Today’s requirements are to have a healthy life, to take care of ourselves and not super aesthetic or harmful aspects. Obviously, each person is the owner of the decisions they make regarding their body.
―Do you think beauty pageants have become inclusive?
―Every day a new door to inclusion and empathy opens in beauty pageants; the age range, whether you have children, whether you are married, is no longer measured as much… In the past, that did not happen. Today, Miss Universe It’s different, because at the end of the day we all have a dream and we have to fight for it. Having a child doesn’t mean your life is over, you have to keep dreaming, fighting no matter how old you are. If your dream is to be a beauty queen and the voice of many people, then it doesn’t matter.
―What diet do you follow to maintain your figure?
―You could say that I have a very strict diet. I try to eat a lot of protein, but this also comes into the question of ‘what is the most difficult thing for a Miss?’, because when you compete you go very hungry. We can eat, but it has to do with each person and how they are preparing. On a physical level I like to prepare myself and have a healthy diet. Now at the hotel I am trying to eat vegetables and protein every day.
I eat carbs one or two days a week, because I also need the energy. I do balance and intermittent fasting. It’s a topic I don’t like to talk about, because for some people it’s recommended and for others it’s not. Each person must make the decision, go to the doctor, talk to a nutritionist and see what type of diet and food is healthier for each one.
It is a delicate subject, as every day there are more people with eating disorders due to strict diets. Yes, I have a preparation, a diet, but it is totally healthy: when I want to indulge myself, I do, and I restrict myself under my responsibility and not for the sake of appearance, but for the sake of feeling healthier.
―How does modeling influence your everyday lifestyle?
―At the restaurant, many people know me and know what I do. It is difficult to combine both lives, because at work I have a position of responsibility that does not allow me to spend all my time modeling. I try to adapt and do what I like.
I love my job as a manager, because it represents my successes and professionalism, but I also love being a model, expressing myself and creating art. I don’t feel like it prevents me from doing anything, I can have a normal life, although it’s true that I have to manage my time. Having good habits is essential, but I don’t forbid myself from doing anything.
―What are the chances of you participating in future editions of Miss Universe?
―There are more than possibilities. It is a long-term project that I am working on.
―If you did, which country would you represent, Cuba or Spain?
―Both Cuba and Spain are part of me, representing both countries would be my greatest pride. Cuba gave me life, Spain gave me the opportunity to live it and learn how to do it. I am both, I am the Cuban girl who dreams and the Spanish girl who works to make it come true.
