On Wednesday, Miami Theater became the hub of glamour, feathers, and elegance as it hosted the Feather Fantasy Fashion Show. This official event from the Miss Universe Cuba 2026 calendar brought together, for the first time, all 20 contestants vying for the national crown.
The evening kicked off with the official sashing ceremony, led by pageant director Prince Julio César and reigning Miss Universe Cuba 2025, Lina Luaces. They adorned each regional representative with their sashes in front of an enthusiastic audience.
A historical highlight of the night was the debut of the Hialeah sash, represented by Alejandra García, marking an expansion of territorial representation within the Cuban exile community.
After the formalities, the contestants took to the runway for the Feather Fantasy Fashion Show. This high-fashion showcase, inspired by the world of feathers, saw each participant don striking designs that melded creativity with elegance.
Three special awards, sponsored by partner brands, were presented during the event. The Top Model of the Year award went to Daniela Reyes from Mayabeque, while Valentina Morales from Havana secured the Best Feather Look. The People's Choice Award, determined by public vote, was awarded to Sofia González from Pinar del Río.
Daniela Reyes, a fan favorite according to Missosology Cuba rankings with over 16,600 interactions—more than double her closest competitor—is also a well-known Cuban influencer based in Miami with over a million Instagram followers.
The 20 official contestants moving forward in the competition include: Gabriella Davis (Artemisa), Stephany Granado (Camagüey), Daniela Espinosa (Ciego de Ávila), Gabriela Álvarez (Cienfuegos), Victoria Torres (Granma), Amanda Díaz (Guantánamo), Valeria Pérez (Holguín), Nicole Hernández (Isla de la Juventud), Valentina Morales (Havana), Camila Rodríguez (Las Tunas), Isabella Cruz (Matanzas), Daniela Reyes (Mayabeque), Sofia González (Pinar del Río), Emily Fernández (Sancti Spíritus), Ashley Martínez (Santiago de Cuba), Mariana López (Villa Clara), Alejandra García (Hialeah), Natalia Suárez (Miami), Andrea Méndez (Camagüey Sur), and Gabriela Herrera (Occidente).
Lina Luaces, who is overseeing this process as the outgoing queen, reached the Top 12 at Miss Universe 2025 held in Thailand, further boosting the Cuban pageant's international prominence.
Miss Universe Cuba operates out of Miami under the direction of Prince Julio César, a Venezuelan fashion designer who secured authorization from the Miss Universe Organization to represent Cuba from exile. This follows a 57-year absence since Fidel Castro banned beauty contests in 1967.
The grand finale of Miss Universe Cuba 2026 is set for August 20 at the Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center in Cutler Bay, Miami. The winner will earn the honor of representing Cuba at the 75th Miss Universe edition, scheduled for November 2026 at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
FAQs About Miss Universe Cuba 2026
What is the significance of the Hialeah sash in Miss Universe Cuba 2026?
The Hialeah sash represents a new territorial inclusion in the Miss Universe Cuba pageant, showcasing the diversity within the Cuban exile community.
Who won the Top Model of the Year award at the Feather Fantasy Fashion Show?
Daniela Reyes, representing Mayabeque, was awarded the Top Model of the Year at the event.
Where and when will the Miss Universe Cuba 2026 grand finale take place?
The grand finale is scheduled for August 20, 2026, at the Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center in Cutler Bay, Miami.