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The 71st Miss Universe Competition - National Costume Show© GettyImages

Miss Universe 2023: When to watch the preliminary and national costume competitions

This year’s Miss Universe competition marks a historic turning point


Shirley Gomez
Senior Writer
OCTOBER 23, 2023 1:16 PM EDT

The 72nd edition of Miss Universe is set to kick off with a series of thrilling preliminary competitions in San Salvador, El Salvador. Scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2023, these events are eagerly anticipated to showcase contestants’ incredible beauty, talent, and charisma and for some groundbreaking changes in the Miss Universe pageant’s history.

Winner of Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel Visits the Empire State Building© GettyImages

Historic Location and Livestreaming

The preliminary competition will occur at 8:00 p.m. EST or 7:00 p.m. CST on November 15, while the national costume competition will follow on November 16 at 9:00 p.m. EST or 8:00 p.m. CST. What makes these events even more accessible to the global audience is the partnership with Live Bash, livestreaming both competitions. For a mere $5, viewers worldwide can purchase a ticket to enjoy these spectacular shows from the comfort of their homes.

Inclusion of Mothers and Married Women

This year’s Miss Universe competition marks a historic turning point as it welcomes mothers and married women as contestants for the first time. The only requirement during the event is 18-28, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

A total of 85 remarkable women will compete for the Miss Universe 2023 crown, each representing their respective countries with pride and grace. Among them, Maria Camila Avella Montañez of Colombia and Michelle Cohn of Guatemala will make history as the first mothers and married women to compete in Miss Universe, breaking barriers and redefining the image of a Miss Universe contestant.

Furthermore, Rikkie Valerie Kollé from the Netherlands and Marina Machete from Portugal will be the second and third transwomen to compete in Miss Universe, following Angela Ponce, who represented Spain in 2018.

Miss Universe Spain 2019© GettyImages
Angela Ponce attends presentation Miss Universe Spain on September 13, 2019 in Madrid, Spain.

In another historic moment, Pakistan will debut in the Miss Universe pageant, with Erica Robin set to represent the nation. This signifies a significant step towards global inclusivity and diversity within the Miss Universe competition.

This edition of Miss Universe is set to be memorable and groundbreaking, defining new standards of beauty, empowerment, and diversity for years to come. The coronation night, to be held on November 18, 2023, is sure to be a historic moment in the pageant’s history.