From our Bureau of Silly, But Useful Diversions From Unrelenting Tragedies, Disasters, and Life-Threatening Existential Angst
Yes, as World War Three looms in the horizon, the U.S. teeters on the edge of civil war, and Cuba goes to Hell in a handbasket, nearly 1,000 Cuban women from the “diaspora” have applied for the chance to compete in the Miss Universe pageant.
Yes, Mildred, this is sorely needed. Nothing helps to distract attention from calamities more readily than a beauty contest, especially its swimsuit and talent competitions. Out of those many applicants, 24 beauties are now battling it out for the title of Miss Cuba. Stay tuned . . . Will the eventual title holder be raven-haired, a redhead, a blonde, or a brunette? Or will Sandro Castro’s girlfriend steal the crown?
Loosely translated from Periodico Cubano
The Miss Universe Cuba organization has unveiled the 24 candidates who will vie for the title of Cuban beauty queen at the international pageant on September 15 in Miami, Florida, as confirmed exclusively to Periódico Cubano by their press chief, Marianela Santiesteban.
Each of these women represents a province, region, or Cuban community abroad, highlighting the diversity and beauty of the island. Additionally, an extra contestant will be chosen by the public, adding an element of excitement and spectator participation.
All the contestants will compete in various events and activities that will showcase their skills and commitment to social causes.
Venezuelan designer Prince Julio César will bring his expertise and vision to enhance the prestige of the pageant. The creator and organizer of the event in South Florida emphasized the importance of including Cuba in the international competition as a step toward the representation and visibility of Cuban women on the global stage.
Since the announcement of Cuba’s return to Miss Universe in April, the organization received nearly 1,000 applications from women interested in participating.
Of these, 578 were considered, with 95 pre-selected, eventually narrowing down to the final 24.
Cuba’s participation in Miss Universe is particularly significant this year, marking the country’s return to the pageant after 57 years of absence due to historical restrictions.
This return is a historic milestone, being Cuba’s first participation since the start of the dictatorship in 1959. Since 1960, beauty pageants were banned in Cuba, leading to the contest being held in exile in the US under the name “Miss Cuba Free,” which lasted only six years.
Since 1967, there have been no contestants representing Cuba, although women born in the Caribbean country have competed on behalf of other nations.
I hope whoever wins, defects.