Miami/Lina Luaces, Emilio and Gloria Estefan’s This is the second consecutive year that the island’s representative is chosen in Miami among Cuban candidates in exile after a 57 -year pause of absence in Miss Universe.
Luaces, 22 years old and representative of Santiago de Cuba, was crowned on a gala night at Milander Park in Hialeah, a border city with Miami and home to one of the most important Cuban diasporas in the world. “I represent a generation of Cubans who learned that education and effort is the most important presentation letter that anyone can present. I hope to inspire the children of Cuba, Miami and the rest of the world to fight for what they want,” said the new Miss Cuba, born and raised in the United States.
The new queen was also recognized with the title of Miss Press and has extensive experience as a model, including three years parading at New York Fashion Week.
As the first finalist was Lisbeth Fernández, representative of Pinar del Río, who said that her life is a “miracle”
As the first finalist was Lisbeth Fernández, representative of Pinar del Río, who said that her life is a “miracle” and stood out for his message about diversity and faith in a new era.
The third finalist is Miss Oriental Region Vanessa Villarreal, who had stolen the love of the little public present with his messages to support his compatriots in Cuba. “We are a resilient town to which for years we had refused to have queens in beauty competitions. We are making history for the second time,” he said.
The businessman and contest director, Julio César, who assumed the franchise in April 2024, explained that the selection process began in January, allowing more complete preparation. In the first edition they had about three months. “There is no less pressure. The day I stop feeling it, I will stop feeling the commitment, but this edition has been much more structured and with greater projection,” he said.
“There is no less pressure. The day I stop feeling it, I will stop feeling the commitment”
The ceremony, conducted by Puerto Rican Carlos Aydán, who leads the cast of At home with Telemundoand the Nicaraguan Sheynis Palacio, Miss Universe 2023, began with the 17 candidates making a choreography to the rhythm of the anthem of the contest.
The new queen was chosen by a jury made up of Mexican actress and singer Ninel Conde, the stylist Maripily Rivera, former Miss Peru Anyella Grados, Model Greidys Gil, Executive Carlos Herrera de Megatv and the founder of the Dominican Republic Fashion Week, Melkis Díaz.
