After nearly six decades, Cuba is making a comeback to the global beauty pageant stage Marianela Ancheta will represent the country at the Miss Universe pageant. The Cuban-born model and businesswoman, who now lives in the United States, was crowned Miss Cuba this evening at a gala ceremony at the Milander Center in Hialeah in Miami.

Ancheta, who hails from Villa Clara, outshone 23 other finalists, all selected from a pool of over 1,500 participants. Her path to the title was a months-long process filled with thorough rounds of interviews, personality assessments and and challenges aimed at selecting the best possible representative for Cuba.

The new Miss Cuba

“I want to inspire young girls, especially Cuban girls, to pursue their dreams,” Ancheta told Latin Times. Using mental health advocacy as a platform, Ancheta is committed to launching workshops and initiatives that promote open discussions about mental health. “Seeking help is not a weakness, but a strength,” she emphasized during the beauty pageant’s final interviews.

The competition was tough, too Alina Robert, Miss La Habana and an established actress who appears as the first second. Robert, widely known for her role in the Disney+ series The Roar of Butterflies, was a fan favorite. The runner-up, Maylin Hernández, Miss Granma, As a former Cuban National Ballet dancer turned psychologist, she brought a unique perspective to the competition.

The highly anticipated two-hour event began with participants in short blue dresses performing a dance routine to a medley of iconic songs by Celia Cruz sung by Grammy-winning Cuban artist Aymée Nuviola. Nuviola also appeared live in the swimsuit segment, where the number of finalists was reduced from 24 to 12, then to six, and finally to three.

Musical performances by Cuban singers Lenier and Génesis added to the excitement of the evening and provided the perfect backdrop as attendees changed from their swimsuits to glamorous evening gowns.

Ancheta, who also won the title of Miss Photogenic, was crowned by Osmel Sousathe legendary beauty director best known for leading Miss Venezuela to global beauty pageant success. Cuban-born Sousa recalled with nostalgia watching Cuba’s last Miss Universe finalist, María Rosa Gamio Fernández, who placed third in 1957. “I hope tonight’s winner can achieve the same, if not more,” Sousa noted upon placing the crown on Ancheta’s head.

Further awards included during the evening Miss Interactiva was won by Miss Artemisa Leanny González, Miss Personalidad was awarded to Miss Matanzas Lissandra Burgos and Miss Elegancia was won by Miss Cienfuegos Arlety González.

The Miss Cuba organization was led by Venezuelan entrepreneur Prince Julio César and supported by a team of Cuban and Venezuelan experts. Together, they trained the contestants in public speaking, runway walking, modeling and general culture, ensuring that Cuba’s next Miss Universe representative was well prepared for the international stage.

Marianela Ancheta will compete in the Miss Universe 2024 pageant, scheduled to take place on November 16 at Arena CDMX in Mexico Citywhere she will try to bring home the crown after Cuba has not competed in the prestigious event for almost 60 years.

Reigning Miss Universe, Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua, will pass on her title at the grand event.