The national costume competition serves as a platform for contestants to express their cultural heritage and national pride, making it a highlight of the Miss Universe pageant.
The diversity of costumes reflects the global nature of the pageant, with contestants drawing inspiration from various aspects of their countries, including history, flora, fauna, and traditional arts.
The final event on November 16, 2024, is expected to attract significant viewership, with audiences eager to see which contestant will be crowned Miss Universe 2024.
Given the emphasis on cultural representation, future Miss Universe competitions may continue to evolve in their approach to national costumes, potentially incorporating more interactive elements or audience participation.
The Miss Universe 2024 pageant kicked off its national costume competition on November 14, 2024, at the CDMX Arena in Mexico City, featuring 126 contestants showcasing outfits that reflect their national identities. The event is part of the preliminary rounds leading up to the grand finale scheduled for November 16, 2024.
Contestants displayed a variety of creative costumes, with Miss Nicaragua, Geyssell García, representing the León Cathedral, and Miss Kenya, Irene Mukii, honoring the country's long-distance running athletes. Other notable costumes included Miss Argentina's jungle-themed outfit and Miss Ukraine's armor symbolizing the courage of Ukrainian defenders.
The parade of national costumes was a vibrant display of culture, with each contestant aiming to highlight significant elements of their homeland. For example, Miss France, Indira Ampiot, wore a dress featuring national symbols, while Miss Mexico, Maria Fernanda Beltran, honored indigenous roots. Miss Ecuador's costume depicted the historic center of Quito, showcasing its churches.
