The Gala de Catrinas, held at the historic Colegio de las Vizcaínas, was a striking tribute to Mexico’s Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). This special event brought together Miss Universe contestants in a celebration of culture, fashion, and charity.
The contestants arrived in elaborate “Catrina”-inspired outfits, each a unique work of art honoring the traditional symbols of the Day of the Dead. From intricate skull face paint to stunning floral headdresses, the contestants embraced the holiday’s spirit.
One standout dress featured a vibrant marigold pattern, symbolizing the flowers guiding spirits back to the world of the living. Another dress was adorned with papel picado designs, reminiscent of the colorful paper banners seen during the festivities.
These outfits blended Mexican heritage with modern fashion, a fusion of tradition and contemporary style that captured the essence of the Gala de Catrinas. The time and effort in creating each look resulted in a beautiful tribute to the holiday.
A Meaningful Venue and Tribute to Tradition
The historic Colegio de las Vizcaínas was an ideal venue for the Gala. Walking through the building, the weight of history was palpable, and traditional Día de Muertos elements decorated the space.
The courtyard, filled with vibrant marigolds and flickering candles, was breathtaking. Colorful papel picado banners fluttered overhead, and the scent of copal incense filled the air, enhancing the celebration’s authenticity.
Watching the Miss Universe contestants engage with Mexican customs in this setting was moving. They seemed to connect with tradition, paying homage to ancestors and embracing the holiday’s spirit. One contestant shared how this experience gave her a deeper appreciation for Mexican culture.
With its rich history and architecture, the Colegio de las Vizcaínas provided a fitting backdrop for this cultural celebration, as if the walls themselves were telling stories of Mexico’s past, present, and future.
Charity and Social Impact through Cultural Celebration
What made this event especially meaningful was its charitable mission. The Gala de Catrinas supported the Niños-Mujeres-Ancianos Protegidos Foundation, highlighting the social impact of Miss Universe contestants beyond pageant glamour.
Fundraising activities took place throughout the evening. A silent auction featured beautiful Día de Muertos-inspired artwork, and contestants encouraged attendees to join raffles for unique prizes.
One contestant expressed her enthusiasm for making a difference, saying, “It’s wonderful to celebrate this culture while helping those in need. This is what being Miss Universe is about – using our platform for positive change.”
The room buzzed with energy as everyone united for a common cause, reflecting the Miss Universe organization’s commitment to philanthropy. This event was a testament to how cultural celebration can create meaningful social impact.
As the night concluded, the blend of culture, fashion, and charity left a lasting impression. The Gala de Catrinas demonstrated that beauty pageants can be much more than appearances – they can bring people together and make a real difference in the world
