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Miss Universe 2023 has concluded after a weekend of excitement. Following the coronation of this year’s beauty queen, the organization announced the location of next year’s ceremony, revealing an exciting and vibrant destination for contestants from all over the world.
Miss Universe 2024 will take place in Mexico, a country that has hosted the pageant in four previous occasions: 2007, 1993, 1989, and 1978. “I look forward to seeing what Mexico has to offer. El Salvador will be a tough act to follow!” said CEO of Miss Universe Organization Amy Emmerich in an exclusive to HOLA! USA. “We’re considering having the Preliminary in a 20k venue in Cancun - this hasn’t been approved yet but the possibility is very exciting.”
For next year’s pageant, new rules will apply, including the elimination of the contestants age limits, allowing all women over 18 years old to participate no matter their age.
On Saturday, November 18th, Miss Nicaragua was crowned as this year’s Miss Universe. Sheyniss Palacios, 23, was among 84 contestants vying for the crown. Born in Managua, she is an audiovisual producer and mental health activist according to the Miss Universe organization, and will make mental health her primary cause as the reigning queen.
More details about this year’s Miss Universe
Other contestants that took top spots in the competition include Miss Thailand Antonia Porsild as first runner up and Miss Australia Moraya Wilson as second runner up. Completing this year’s top five were Miss Spain Athenea Perez and Miss Colombia Camila Avella.
Miss Universe 2023 was the most inclusive ceremony yet. Contestants Rikkie Valerie Kollé from the Netherlands and Marina Machete from Portugal became the second and third trans women to participate in Miss Universe, following Angela Ponce’s participation in 2018. Camila Avella from Colombia and Michelle Cohn from Guatemala also made history as the first married women and mothers to participate in the pageant.