Miss Cuban American, Suhame Miralles

Arriving in the United States in April of 2004, Miralles told the audience that leaving her country and her studies behind in Cuba was one of the most difficult things she's ever done. She goes on to say that the cultural shock suffered by her and other Cuban immigrants is great but that with diligence and perseverance can be overcome.

She plans to continue her studies, maintain her Cuban American Heritage and wear her title as Miss Cuban American 2004-2005 with pride and respect.

The 20th Anniversary of the pageant played to an almost capacity crowd at the Manuel Artime Theater. Entertainment included performances by Havana Squared, Ul Anito and Eric.

The rush for Hair and Makeup

Highlights included a heart-felt speech from pageant founder, Mario Princigally, noting the challenges and obstacles he and the organization have had to overcome. He also recognized a long list of supporters and participants that have helped him and the organization throughout the 20 years since the Miss Cuban American International Pageant was founded.

The Best of Miss Cuban American

The audience waited for the curtains to open and the dressing rooms were chaotic as the contestants prepared for their opening number. The makeup and hairdressers from Oscar International worked steadily to accomplish miraculous results in a short amount of time.

While waiting their turn for hair and makeup, contestants checked their outfits in front of mirrors posing as if in a synchronized ballet that accentuated their sexy Latina symmetry. 

Excitement filled the air as everyone rushed to get ready for the opening number.

Backstage before opening number

Although the show started late, the audience was pleased to see the 42 girls came on stage in a glamorous display of beauty. One by one they began to announce the region in Cuba that they were representing. The audience applauded the exuberance and brightly colored cultural ensembles the girls displayed. After the segment, the girls ran back stage to change for their next segment and crowd favorite, the Swimwear portion of the show.

The show was twice interrupted by unplanned occurrences. In one segment, a lady came on stage yelling unintelligibly and was eventually escorted off stage. The MC handled the event eloquently. The other instance occurred, after final judging. A young lady appeared on stage asking, who are the judges here. She evaded several of the young staff members while continuing her questioning to know who the judges were. She was eventually escorted offstage. 

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The Miss Cuban American International Pageant was delightful and entertaining. It's always a pleasure to meet young ladies who recognize, with pride, their culture and heritage. 

Ul Anito performance

Two minor frays for a show this size is not uncommon. Security was on-hand and quickly managed both situations. 

The Miss Cuban American International Beauty Pageant organization and the shows presentation is above par for a local pageant show. 

The Miss Cuban American Pageant is a non-profit organization that supports the wholesomeness, educational goals and personal achievements of young Cuban American men and women encouraging them to preserve the pride of their roots and their native customs. The opportunities presented to the candidates and the benefit of this organization to the Cuban American community have been recognized in Miami for over 20 years. - Miami Today