History of Cuba in Miss Universe: from its beginnings in 1927 to its return in 2024

Cuba returns to the Miss Universe beauty pageant in 2024 after 57 years. From the early years when Cuban candidates made their mark in the competition, to the interruption of their participation after the Cuban Revolution, and the efforts of the Cuban exile community to keep the representation alive on international stages, Cuba's journey in Miss Universe is filled with memorable moments and prominent figures.

In this journey, we will explore the milestones, the pioneers, and the challenges that shaped the path of Cuban queens in one of the most important beauty contests in the world.

The International Pageant of Pulchritude of 1927 was one of the first international beauty contests, considered a precursor to modern pageants like Miss Universe and Miss World. This contest was held for the first time in Galveston, Texas, and was one of the most important beauty events of its time. It attracted participants from various countries, establishing itself as the first truly international beauty contest.

In it, the competitors were judged not only by their physical appearance but also by their poise, grace, and personality. The winner of the contest was crowned as "Miss Universe," a title that at that time was not associated with the current pageant we know but was exclusive to this event.

The contest continued until the 1930s but was interrupted due to the Great Depression and other economic factors, leaving an important legacy in the history of international beauty pageants.

Cuba participated in the competition for three consecutive years with Angelina Anduiza in 1927, Nila Garrido in 1928, and finally in 1929 with Elvira Moreno.

Cuba's participation in this type of contest was not recorded again until 1952, when the Miss Universe contest was officially founded as we know it today. On this occasion, the first candidate to represent the island was Gladys López, winner of the Miss Cuba title in the contest held at the Blanquita Theater, which we now know as Karl Marx.

In 1954, the representative was Isis Margarita Finlay. She was the great-granddaughter of the Cuban doctor and epidemiologist Carlos J Finlay. She had four children and over the next 53 years, traveled to 51 countries. She died in Miami.

Gilda Marín Montero, the representative from 1955, did not qualify, but she was third runner-up in the Miss World contest, which took place in London and in which Cuba participated for the first time.

Marcia Rodríguez Echevarría entered the history of Miss Universe in 1956 by placing among the 15 semifinalists. That same year, Marcia was also a semifinalist in the Miss World competition.

In 1957, María Rosa Gamio Fernández placed third as a finalist, marking the best position achieved by a Cuban representative in the Miss Universe pageant.

In 1958, Arminia Pérez y González, who was a television model, represented us at the age of 21.

In 1959, Irma Buesa Más, daughter of the famous Cienfuegos poet José Ángel Buesa, presented herself.

In 1960, with the representation of Flora Laughten Hoyos, one year after Fidel came to power, the participation of Cuban women from the island in the famous contest ended after he labeled it a "superficial whim." He stated that national efforts would be focused on more substantial issues. After the competition, Flora developed her career as an actress and theater director.

After 1960, the change of power on the Island prohibited the organization of events like Miss Cuba and, naturally, participation in their international versions. This left the country without representation in the world contest. However, Miss Cuba Free was created from Miami, a competition in which Cuban residents in the city of the sun participated, who would later compete in Miss Universe. This event was sponsored by the political exile community, and the participants represented the thousands of Cubans who had gone into exile during those years.

Only six Cuban women participated in Miss Universe under the title of Miss Cuba Libre between 1961 and 1967: Martha García Vieta (1961), Aurora Prieto García (1962), Alicia Margit Chía (1963), Alina De Varona Rodríguez (1965), Lesbia Murrieta Martí (1966), and Elina Salavarría De Mora, who was, in 1967, the last representative of Miss Free Cuba in the Miss Universe pageant.

A special mention goes to the famous Cuban actress and singer María Conchita Alonso, originally from Cienfuegos and former beauty queen who represented Venezuela in 1975, finishing as the seventh finalist in the Miss World contest held in London. In that same competition, the Cuban Maricela Maxie Clark took home the award for third finalist representing Cuba. Thus, two Cubans participated in the same contest representing different countries.

Five decades later, Cubans will finally be able to enjoy the participation of Marianela Ancheta, who will proudly represent Cuba in the 73rd edition of Miss Universe, to be held in Mexico City on November 16, 2024. It will be an exciting opportunity to see the island shine once again on the international stage.