Miss Universe 2023 Preliminaries: Latina Beauties Standout

The Miss Universe 2023 Preliminaries commenced on Wednesday, November 15, marking the inaugural phase of the pageant's discerning selection process to crown the next Miss Universe.

This stage serves as a pivotal moment for the contestants vying for the prestigious title and the coveted Force of Good crown, captivating the audience with a display of their beauty, poise, and talent.

The event featured judges carefully scrutinizing each participant's performance, determining the candidates who would advance to the subsequent round of the competition.

In the tradition of beauty pageants, the unveiling of evening gowns during the preliminary competition generates an undeniable buzz, adding an extra layer of excitement to the pageant.

Without any predetermined ranking, here are the Latin beauties who left a lasting impression at the 72nd Miss Universe evening gown competition, captivating the audience and the judges alike.

Colombia

Dressed in a stunning John Lecksell gown, Miss Colombia Camila Avella effortlessly commanded the spotlight during the Miss Universe 2023 preliminaries.

The strapless design added to its captivating allure, creating a shimmering spectacle on the stage, Mega noted.

At 28 years old, Avella is not only a beauty queen but also a journalist and model. Her commitment goes beyond the glamour, as she actively contributes to empowering young mothers.

Avella provides training in mental health, finance management, and entrepreneurship, as detailed in her Miss Universe bio.

Married and a mother herself, Avella became eligible to compete in Miss Universe after the organization changed its rules to include married women and mothers starting in 2023.

Having previously vied for the Miss Colombia title in 2018, she shared with HOLA that the rule change motivated her to try again for the crown.

Ecuador

Miss Ecuador, Delary Stoffers, graced the stage in a figure-hugging gown that bordered on sheer captivation. The interplay of transparency and intricate patterns added an extra layer of sophistication to her ensemble. Stoffers is currently making waves as a model, as showcased on her Instagram page.

Beyond the runway, Stoffers, 23, is dedicated to making a positive impact. Her Miss Universe platform centers around Type 1 Diabetes education.

In her Voice for Change video, she highlighted her collaboration with the Fuvida Foundation, where she works to provide tools to children and young people, enabling them to confront the daily challenges associated with adjusting insulin doses, managing their diet, and self-monitoring.

Nicaragua

Miss Nicaragua, Sheynnis Palacios, brought a burst of tropical vibes at Miss Universe 2023 Preliminaries with a gown that felt like a refreshing splash in a sea of reds, greens, and bronze.

The cool colors and playful elements not only showcased the vivacity and energy of the candidates but also added a touch of warmth to the atmosphere.

Palacios, 23, holds a degree in mass communications from the Universidad Centroamericana. According to her Miss Universe bio, she is passionate about producing and editing video content, per Business Insider.

Palacios takes immense pride in her degree, considering the challenges she faced. She revealed in her Voice for Change video that she experienced intense anxiety attacks during her studies.

In response, she initiated the project "Understand Your Mind" to advocate for women facing mental health issues. Palacios is not just a beauty queen; she's a source of inspiration and change.

Mexico

Miss Mexico, Melissa Flores, opted for a design by Fher Santos from Jalisco, showcasing a red dress adorned with zirconias, Swarovski crystals, and crystals that created a striking contrast with the transparencies of the design, according to HOLA!.

At 25 years old, Flores dons the hat of a psychologist when she's not representing Mexico at Miss Universe, as outlined in her pageant bio.

Beyond the world of beauty and glamour, Flores has become an advocate against dating violence, drawing from her personal experience. In her Voice for Change video, she introduced her project "No Me Limites," aiming to educate people about what constitutes a healthy relationship.

Melissa Flores embodies beauty with a purpose, leveraging her platform to make a positive impact on important social issues.

Venezuela

Venezuelan designer Richard Ramírez drew inspiration from the Salto ángel waterfall to craft a stunning white dress for Miss Venezuela, Diana Silva.

The design features silk tulle adorned with iridescent crystals and a skirt embellished with beaded fringes that evoke the play of light with movement.

At 26, Silva is not just a beauty queen but also a seasoned pageant contestant, having previously represented Miss Venezuela at Miss World 2018. Outside the world of pageantry, she serves as a flight attendant.

Silva is on a mission to educate teenage girls about sex, enhance their emotional well-being, and ensure access to contraception, particularly in underprivileged communities.

In her Voice for Change video, she passionately shared her commitment to addressing the high rate of adolescent mothers in Venezuela.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: 72nd MISS UNIVERSE Preliminary Competition - From Miss Universe