Beauty pageant contestants prepare for Miss Universe and Miss World

Melissa Núñez, the newly crowned Miss Dominican Republic Universe 2026, returned to her hometown of La Vega to a celebratory reception. Local authorities, including Mayor Amparo Custodio and Provincial Governor Luisa Jiménez de la Mota, officially recognized her achievement. During the ceremony, the Municipal Council declared Núñez a ‘Hija Meritoria de La Vega’ (Meritorious Daughter of La Vega). She is currently preparing to represent the Dominican Republic at the 75th edition of Miss Universe in Puerto Rico.

In a separate pageant development, Venezuelan representative Mística Núñez has arrived in Vietnam to compete in the 75th Miss World pageant. A pharmacist and medical student, Núñez aims to secure Venezuela’s eighth Miss World title, noting that the country has not won the crown since Ivian Sarcos in 2011. She expressed her intention to serve as an ambassador of peace and solidarity while competing against more than 120 candidates.