Miss Universe Brazil celebrates 72 years combining legacy and empowerment

In a country driven by grand narratives, some events carry a remarkable legacy. Among them is Miss Universe Brazil, the franchise and official beauty contest responsible for electing the Brazilian representative for Miss Universe, considered the biggest international competition in the category.

This Friday (26), the competition celebrates 72 years of history, establishing itself as one of the most traditional catwalks of representation, global projection and national empowerment.

Crossing more than seven decades, the competition has evolved side by side with the country's social, cultural and behavioral changes, becoming a mirror for future generations. For a long time, Miss Brazil was among the most anticipated attractions on TV, drawing crowds in historic broadcasts that brought the country to a standstill, while transforming its champions into true celebrities.

It was precisely on this stage that Brazil wrote some of the most important chapters in the history of global beauty contests. In 1963, Ieda Maria Vargas became the first Brazilian to win the Miss Universe title.

Ieda Maria Vargas, first Brazilian to win the title of Miss Universe - Disclosure
Five years later, in 1968, it was Martha Vasconcellos' turn to repeat the feat and once again place the country at the top of the international competition, consolidating Brazil among the great powers of global beauty.

Martha Vasconcellos won the contest in 1968 - Disclosure
Another fundamental milestone occurred in 1986, when Deise Nunes entered history as the first black woman to win the title of Miss Brazil. Her victory represented an important step forward in expanding representation within competitions and became a symbol of the diversity that characterizes Brazilian women.

Deise Nunes was the first black woman to win Miss Brazil - Disclosure
Among the names that marked the recent trajectory of the pageant, few remain as vivid in the public's memory as Natália Guimarães Top 2 of Miss Universe in 2007, the Minas Gerais native is often highlighted as one of the most emblematic candidates of recent decades, being remembered for her international performance, charisma and strong connection with Brazilians.

Almost two decades after her participation, Natália remains one of the main references in the Miss universe in the country.

"It's exciting to realize that almost 20 years have passed since my participation in Miss Brazil and Miss Universe. When I look back, I see that the contests have evolved a lot and today represent something much bigger than beauty. The woman who takes the stage carries stories, causes, dreams and the responsibility of being a reference for other people", she tells CNN Brasil.

"Miss Universe Brazil has always had the ability to reveal inspiring women and show the world the strength, diversity and cultural richness of our country. I am very proud to be part of this history and to see a new generation understanding that representation, social work and purpose go hand in hand with the crown", adds Natália.

Natália Guimarães won Miss Brazil 2007 - Disclosure
This evolution directly reflects the change in the role of women in society. The time when only beauty and elegance were enough is behind us: today, candidates stand out for their voice, leadership, positioning and social engagement. Initiatives focused on education, sustainability, health and inclusion now dictate the pace of the competition, transforming the misses into true agents of change.

This look to the future has been one of the hallmarks of the current management led by Paraná businessman Rodrigo Ferro. Since taking charge of Miss Universe Brazil, the executive has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at modernizing the competition, expanding the preparation of candidates and strengthening the institutional positioning of the contest.

One of the big news of the competition was the camping held in March this year. The unprecedented immersion brought together the 33 candidates for a marathon focused on communication, personal development, image marketing and purpose. The initiative marks the new era of the competition, whose objective is to groom women ready to shine and lead on a global platform.

In addition to immersion, the organization has invested in expanding its digital presence, strengthening strategic partnerships, valuing candidates and creating new experiences capable of bringing the public even closer to the competition.

"Celebrating 72 years of Miss Brazil is honoring all the women who helped build this history and, at the same time, reaffirming our commitment to the future. The contest continues to be a showcase of Brazilian beauty, but also of talent, intelligence, purpose and social impact", says Rodrigo Ferro, president of Miss Universe Brasil, to CNN Brasil.

"We are promoting a series of transformations to bring the brand even closer to the contemporary public, without losing the essence that made Miss Brazil one of the most traditional institutions in the country. The 2026 edition will be a milestone in this new phase", he states.

The 72nd anniversary celebration takes place at a symbolic moment for the organization. In July 2026, São Paulo will host the new edition of Miss Universe Brazil, bringing together representatives from all over the country in a contest that promises to mark a new stage in the history of the competition.

The contest will also be shown again on national television, resuming a tradition that helped build its relevance over the decades and reconnecting the event with millions of Brazilians.

The initiative reinforces the organization's commitment to expanding the platform's reach and providing the public with a renewed experience, aligned with the values and expectations of contemporary society.

Meet Fátima Bosch, crowned Miss Universe 2025

Source: CNN