María Elvira Salazar celebrates meeting with Miss Universe Cuba: "The exile has its Queen"

Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar expressed her enthusiasm on Thursday after meeting Marianela Ancheta, the winner of Miss Universe Cuba 2024, who will represent the island in the prestigious international contest.

Through her social media, Salazar highlighted the symbolism of her compatriot's participation in Miss Universe, as Cuba has not had official representation in this contest for more than five decades due to the Castro regime.

"During the campaign, I loved meeting Marianela, Miss Universe Cuba, who will represent free Cubans at Miss Universe," the congresswoman commented in her post.

Salazar emphasized the pride he feels knowing that a representative of the Cuban exile will parade in the event, which will take place next November in Mexico City, Mexico.

The congresswoman's message emphasizes the importance of this moment for the Cuban community, reflecting the strength and resilience of those who have left the nation in search of freedom. "I wish you all the best!" she concluded, expressing her support for Marianela in the island's return to Miss Universe after 57 years of absence.

Marianela Ancheta, 31 years old, was born in Villa Clara and represented the Central Region in the Miss Universe Cuba pageant. Since her selection as a candidate, she positioned herself as one of the top favorites to win the crown. In the competition, she surpassed 23 other contenders, ultimately coming out on top against Alina Robert, the first runner-up.

In addition to her career as a model and the face of various brands, she is an entrepreneur and businesswoman, and she has her own line of skincare products.

The young woman emigrated at the age of 13 with her mother; both arrived in the United States after crossing the border with Mexico. "I come from a very humble family, with few opportunities, and my inner child can't believe what she is living," she confessed to the EFE agency, cited by Telemundo.

"I was 19 years old and spent the nights of December 24 and 31 cleaning the bathrooms of a Walgreens. It was very sad, but look at this change," she pointed out in the interview.

Regarding her love life, the young woman was in a relationship with the Cuban singer Dale Pututi, and recently she has been linked to the Colombian footballer James Rodríguez, although neither of them has confirmed or denied the romance so far.

Currently, Marianela resides in Miami, Florida, where she is part of a circle of friends that includes familiar faces from the Cuban entertainment scene, such as Kuki Delgado, daughter of the singer Alexander Delgado.

This 73rd edition of Miss Universe will be of great significance as it will, for the first time, allow the participation of women over 28 years old, as well as mothers and women with children, a new rule that has allowed Marianela to compete. During the contest, Sheynnis Palacios, the current queen, will crown her successor.