The anticipation for the 73rd edition of Miss Universe is building as women from all corners of the globe prepare to vie for this year’s coveted crown. The iconic pageant is set to take place in November in Mexico, and countries are gradually unveiling the names of the contestants who will represent them in the grand ceremony.
As we eagerly await the crowning of the new queen, let’s take a closer look at the passionate and driven Latinas who are determined to bring home the title and proudly represent their respective countries on the world stage.
© @danitolozarochaDaniela Toloza - Miss Colombia
The representative of the Valle department was crowned Miss Colombia after winning the competition among 30 candidates. Daniela Toloza, 30, has a degree in advertising and public relations and is a specialist in wardrobe and senior management.
Her physical transformation has caught the attention of fans of the pageant. “I suffered a great loss due to the violence in our country a few years ago; I lost my father and I turned to food when I was 10. I gained weight impressively and at 22 I had to make a life decision to be able to continue living and enjoying what I am living here today as Miss Universe Valle,” she commented in an interview with RCN.
At 22, she decided to change her life and underwent bariatric surgery that helped her lose weight. She is pursuing her dream and wants to take the crown home.
© @magalibenejamMagalí Benejam - Miss Argentina
Beauty cannot be measured using fixed parameters. That’s why the pageant has expanded its rules, allowing participants of any age, ethnicity, or body type to compete. This year, women over 18 can vie for the crown, regardless of age. Representing Argentina in the 73rd edition is a 29-year-old from Villa María, Córdoba.
© @celineesantosfriassCelineé Santos Frías - República Dominicana
Persevering, Celineé Santos is back to seek the Miss Universe crown, just as she did at 19. This time, at 24, she returns with more experience to try to take home the coveted title.
© @naomi_mendez_Claudia Naomi Méndez - Paraguay
An Argentine nationalized Paraguayan who resides in the United Arab Emirates will be participating in the upcoming pageant to represent Paraguay. The 32-year-old Miss previously represented Argentina in other beauty pageants. Méndez received the crown from Gretha Estigarribia Matiauda, Miss Earth Paraguay 2023, but not from her predecessor, Elicena Andrada.
© @maratopicMara Topic - Miss Ecuador
At 29, the Guayaquil native will represent her country in the contest. Her expertise lies in film directing and producing, placing her close to the cameras.
© @taticalmelldelsolarTatiana Calmell - Miss Perú
Peru is also prepared for the competition thanks to Tatiana Calmell, a communications expert who has garnered attention for her beauty. She participated in the reality show “Peru’s Next Top Model” and has appeared in several soap operas. She is widely recognized for portraying Danielle in the youth series “Princesas.”
© Miss Venezuela/ OK VenezuelaIleana Márquez Pedroza – Miss Venezuela
The 27-year-old became the first mother to win her country’s pageant. As a professional teacher, Márquez Pedrosa represented the state of Amazonas. When she was crowned, her 11-year-old daughter Guadalupe joined her on stage, wearing a dress similar to her mother’s.
