Miss Universe 2024 breaks records for diversity and participation
In short: The 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City marked a significant shift in the competition's history. By removing age, height, and weight restrictions, the event saw a record 125 contestants from diverse backgrounds, including mothers and married women, as the organization moved toward a more inclusive era.
Held on 16 November 2024 at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, the 73rd Miss Universe pageant saw Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark crowned as the successor to Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua. This victory marked the first time a representative from Denmark has won the title. A record 125 nations and territories were represented at the pageant, exceeding the 2018 high of 94 participants. The event was announced by Raúl Rocha of Legacy Holding Group USA Inc. in late 2023. This edition also featured the debut of several new countries, including Belarus, Eritrea, and Uzbekistan.
The pageant's roster reflected a major evolution in the organization's rules. Following the 2023 pageant, the organization removed the upper age limit of 28, allowing women of all ages to compete. This change, alongside the decision to allow married women and mothers to participate, resulted in a highly diverse field. Notable participants included the oldest contestant at age 40, the first Indigenous Canadian contestant, Ashley Callingbull, and the first hijabi woman to compete, Khadija Omar of Somalia. The roster included Logina Salah of Egypt, who was the first contestant with vitiligo. Additionally, Shyanne McIntosh of Gibraltar appeared as the shortest participant in the pageant's history.
The competition also introduced new structural elements, such as increasing the number of semifinalists from twenty to thirty—the highest in history. The event featured the debut of the 'Lumière de l'Infini' crown, the 13th in the pageant's history. Provided by Jewelmer, the diamond and pearl crown was crafted by Filipino craftsmen using traditional Place Vendôme techniques. However, the crown's origin sparked debate, as the Sambilog-Balik Bugsuk Movement expressed concerns regarding the impact of pearl collection on Indigenous Peoples on Bugsuk Island. The semifinalists were determined through a preliminary competition involving evening gown segments and interviews. Furthermore, the Best in National Costume was decided via votes on the official app.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Miss Universe 2024
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/culture-miss-universe-2024.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Festivals & celebrations · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics
