Cuba now has its 18 representatives on their way to the universe! The Miss Universe Cuba 2025 pageant has officially presented its candidates, and the excitement is palpable. Alongside the current queen, Marianela Ancheta, and under the watchful eye of the contest director, Prince Julio César, the contenders paraded with attitude, charisma, and their sights set on a singular goal: to become the next ambassador of Cuban beauty to the world.
This edition comes with an interesting twist: instead of the 25 competitors from last year, only 18 young women will now contend for the crown. What's the reason? More focus, more preparation, and a tighter competition. What hasn't changed is the quality: this group is filled with talent, determination, and a powerful mix of Cuban roots both on and off the island.
Each candidate arrives with a story that makes her unique. From influencers and students to mothers and entrepreneurs, they all share the desire to showcase a diverse, brave, and contemporary Cuba. Some, like Lina Luaces, daughter of Lili Estefan, or Mía Donadio, who speaks out against gender violence, are already making headlines. Others, like Deneb Morales, who emigrated to China alone at 18, or Emely Artabe, who entered the contest without any experience, are proving that no path is impossible when there is conviction.
With the pageant underway, the excitement begins to build as we discover who will be the new Cuban queen. These 18 girls are not just competing for a crown, but for a place in the country's history. Beauty is on display, but this time it comes with messages, purpose, and a lot of determination. Are you ready to get to know them?

Official candidates for Miss Universe Cuba 2025:
Pinar del Río: Lisbeth Fernández
Artemisa: Claudia Laura Ramos
Havana: Indiana Williams
Mayabeque: Anabella Urquiola
Matanzas: Claudia Fernández
Cienfuegos: Emely Artabe
Villa Clara: Deneb Morales Rodríguez
Sancti Spíritus: Stefany Parli
Ciego de Ávila: Ariday Villar
Camagüey: Romy Álvarez
Granma: Katherine Núñez
Holguín: Lianet Aguilera Sarmiento
Santiago de Cuba: Lina Luaces
Guantánamo: María Karla Díaz
Isla de la Juventud: Mía Donadio
Central Region: Sheila Laza
West Region: Glenda Verdecia
Eastern Region: Vanessa Villarreal
Good luck to everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions about Miss Universe Cuba 2025
Who are the candidates for Miss Universe Cuba 2025?
The candidates for Miss Universo Cuba 2025 are 18 young women representing various provinces and regions of Cuba, including Pinar del Río, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus, Ciego de Ávila, Camagüey, Granma, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Isla de la Juventud, and the Central, Western, and Eastern regions. These contestants are competing for the crown and a spot in the global Miss Universe pageant.
How are the candidates preparing for Miss Universe Cuba 2025?
The candidates are being trained at a preparation academy that offers classes to improve their physical skills, expression, and mental readiness. This year, a reality show is also planned to showcase the transformation process of the contestants and how they prepare for the competition.
What changes have been implemented in Miss Universo Cuba 2025?
One of the significant changes is the reduction in the number of candidates from 25 to 18, with the aim of providing more focus and preparation for each of them. Additionally, the organization has opened an official headquarters in Hialeah and has planned preliminary events to select contestants with the best smile, best hair, best body, and the most photogenic.
What is the story behind some of the most prominent candidates?
Deneb Morales and Lina Luaces are among the most prominent candidates. Deneb Morales emigrated to China at the age of 18 and is now a single mother, while Lina Luaces, the daughter of Lili Estefan, seeks to shine on her own and represent Cuba in the competition. Both bring unique stories of resilience and determination to the contest.
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