Latin America Sweeps Miss Universe Contest

AFP- Miami . Mexican Andrea Meza was crowned Miss Universe this Sunday, May 16 in Florida, in a ceremony in which the representative of Burma denounced from the stage the bloody military coup in her country.

The contest was held again after it was canceled for the first time in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Meza, 26, finished first ahead of the representatives of Brazil and Peru, the other two finalists, in a gala presented by American actor Mario López and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo.

Former contestants Cheslie Kryst, Paulina Vega and Demi-Leigh Tebow (who won the title in 2017) served as analysts and commentators, while a panel of eight women determined this year’s winner.

Clad in a bright red evening gown, Meza tearfully walked the runway as Miss Universe for the first time, before hugging in a group with the other contestants.

Meza outplayed more than 70 contestants from around the world at the 69th Miss Universe gala, held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

In the days leading up to the final competition, Miss Burma, Thuzar Wint Lwin, who sneaked into the 21 finalists, used her time on stage to draw attention to the coup in her country.

“Our people are dying and being shot by the military every day,” she said during her biographical video, in which she showed photos of her participating in anti-coup protests. “Therefore, I would like to urge everyone to speak out about Burma.”

The Burmese representative won the award for the best national costume. During that part of the contest, the contestant appeared with a sign that read “Pray for Burma.”

On February 1, the military overthrew civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

At least 796 people have been killed by security forces since then, according to a local NGO, while nearly 4,000 people are in prison.