Melissa Núñez crowned Miss República Dominicana Universo 2026
Melissa Núñez, representing Concepción de La Vega, was crowned Miss República Dominicana Universo 2026 at the gala held in the Carlos Piantini Hall of the Teatro Nacional Eduardo Brito in Santo Domingo. The event marked the 70th anniversary of the national pageant and featured the reuse of the crown designed by artist Alex Thomas.
Magali Febles, director of the competition, used the ceremony to promote the Casa del Autismo project, a social initiative aimed at supporting children on the autism spectrum. The Top 20 semifinalists were announced, including candidates from provinces such as Samaná, Monte Plata and San José de Ocoa, with Valentina Campión finishing as first runner‑up. Designer Helcio Couture provided the evening gowns, and the winner will represent the Dominican Republic at Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico on 24 November.
Entities: Alex Thomas · Casa del Autismo · Fátima Bosch · Genaro Reyes “Cayuco” · Helcio Couture · Higüey · Magali Febles · Melissa Núñez · Ministry of Culture (Dominican Republic) · Miss República Dominicana · Miss República Dominicana Universo 2026 · Roberto Ángel Salcedo
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The competition’s crown was designed by artist Alex Thomas and will be used again for this edition. (new)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A reader poll named Miss Samaná and Miss Santo Domingo de Guzmán as the favorites. (dd0970a9-1cae-4e51-a2a8-d33d5eba1e3f)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Magali Febles highlighted the creation of the Casa del Autismo as a key social initiative of the pageant. (new)
- [● 2 SOURCES] A Top 20 semifinalist list was announced, including candidates from provinces such as Samaná, Monte Plata, and San José de Ocoa. (new)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The pageant marked its 70th anniversary. (new)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Melissa Núñez was crowned Miss República Dominicana Universo 2026. (new)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The gala final took place on July 30 at the Carlos Piantini Hall of the Teatro Nacional Eduardo Brito in Santo Domingo. (new)
- [● 4 SOURCES] The winner will represent the Dominican Republic at Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico on 24 November. (new)