Miss Universe celebrates Dayana Mendoza’s birthday with emotional video

Dayana Mendoza is celebrating her 37th birthday, receiving congratulations from all over the world. The Miss Universe organization congratulated her with an Instagram post, sharing a clip of the moment when she won the crown in 2008.

Dayana Mendoza represented Venezuela at the Miss Universe 2008. The clip shows the moment where she and Miss Colombia hold hands and wait for the announcement of the pageant’s winner.

Mendoza’s win was a celebrated moment for Venezuela, a country that puts immense value on Miss Universe pageants. The following year, Stefania Fernandez, another Venezuelan, became Miss Universe. The win made Venezuela the first and only country to get back to back wins.

As of this year, Venezuela holds seven Miss Universe titles and is the second country with the most crowns. The first is the United States, having nine Miss Universe winners.

© GettyImages

The Miss Universe post prompted many comments from followers, hailing Mendoza as one of the most beautiful Miss Universe contestants of all time.

“Beautiful Dayana Mendoza, one of the most beautiful Miss Universe in history,” wrote a follower. “The most beautiful Miss Universe,” wrote a second person.