Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux, brought a vibrant South African flair to the ‘Gala de las Catrinas’ in Mexico City. This is a celebrated Miss Universe event honouring Mexico’s Day of the Dead traditions.
MIA LE ROUX IN MEXICO
The gala is held on 1 November at the historic Colegio de las Vizcaínas. It transformed the night into a colourful homage to Mexican culture.
Miss Universe contestants from across the globe dressed as ‘Catrinas’. These are the elegantly skeletal figures symbolising the celebration of life and death.
Mia is the first-ever deaf Miss South Africa to represent her country at Miss Universe, according to MC Denver.
MIA LE ROUX’S STYLE DETAILS
She embraced the spirit of the event with enthusiasm, donning a stunning dress designed to embody South African artistry. The design blended with the vibrant Mexican theme.
“It’s a privilege to stand here as part of a global celebration that merges cultural traditions with beauty and philanthropy,” she shared with excitement.
“Tonight, I wear more than a costume—I carry South Africa’s heart with me.”
A CULTURAL CELEBRATION
The Gala de las Catrinas is not just a night of pageantry and cultural celebration; it serves a philanthropic purpose, according to IOL.
Funds raised during the event go towards Niños, Mujeres y Ancianos Protegidos A.C., a Mexican charity focused on supporting vulnerable communities.
This charitable aspect resonated with Mia le Roux, who has championed inclusivity through her own advocacy campaign, ‘Mia’s Movement.’
MIA LE ROUX, THE VOICE FOR CHANGE
Her campaign, launched under Miss Universe’s Voice for Change initiative, aims to promote equality and fund cochlear implants.
This made her message of inclusivity and empowerment particularly relevant in this setting.
For Mia and the other contestants, the gala was also a chance to experience Mexico’s rich traditions and showcase their cultural heritage on a global stage.
MISS UNIVERSE AND ADVOCACY
Each contestant’s outfit was an artwork designed by top Mexican designers, combining cultural elements with personal flair.
The venue’s decor and music created an atmosphere that celebrated the spirit of Día de los Muertos, according to The Newspaper.
As Mia le Roux continues her journey at Miss Universe, she remains focused on her advocacy.
CROSS-CULTURAL CELEBRATION
She hopes to inspire others through her unique story and to highlight the potential of the deaf community.
Her participation at the Gala de las Catrinas exemplified the beauty of cross-cultural celebration. It was an unforgettable way to kick off the Miss Universe festivities.
HOW CAN REPRESENTATION IN PAGEANTS, LIKE MIA’S, INFLUENCE SOCIETY’S PERCEPTION OF DISABILITIES?
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