It was magnificent - Nereida Lobo highlights the success of the first edition of Miss Universe in Cape Verde.
In assessing the first edition of the Miss Universe contest held in Cape Verde, the local director of the event, Nereida Lobo, considered that the contest held this Saturday, the 15th, at the National Assembly in Praia, exceeded expectations and expressed confidence in the performance of the new Miss Armandina Cunha in the international final in November.
“I wasn’t expecting all of this. For a first edition, it was magnificent,” stated Nereida Lobo, who considers the event a milestone for the competition in the country.
As explained by the person in charge, the organization is already preparing the next stage of the competition, with the focus directed towards preparing Armandina Cunha for the Miss Universe international gala that takes place on November 24th in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
"We have a lot of work to do in the next three months to further prepare the candidate who will represent Cape Verde at Miss Universe," the official explained.
Nereida Lobo believes that the 2026 winner has the potential to represent the country in the international competition. "Today the public had the opportunity to see what they can expect from her, and with even more training I think she will represent the country in the best way possible," she stated.
Armandina Cunha, a Cape Verdean doctor residing in Brazil, was elected Miss Universe Cape Verde 2026 this Saturday.
The organization believes in the continuation of the competition, but with the involvement of everyone.
Following the success of the first edition, Nereida Lobo believes in the continuity of Miss Universe Cape Verde. According to her, the scale of the production requires the involvement of various partners to ensure the pageant can continue in the coming years.
"The event will only continue if everyone comes together, because it's not easy, it requires a large-scale production," he emphasized.
Despite the challenges, the person in charge is confident that a second edition will take place. "I have faith and believe that next year we will hold the second edition with even more strength," she stated.
Nine candidates arrived at the gala.
The first edition of Miss Universe Cape Verde initially had 10 candidates, but ended with nine participants after Eveline Cardoso withdrew for personal reasons. According to Nereida Lobo, the candidate intended to participate in the gala, but ended up leaving the competition due to personal circumstances.
“She really wanted to be there, but some personal things prevented her (…) I believe she will return next year,” he explained.
Besides Armandina Cunha, winner of the first edition, Jasmine Jorgensen and Tirzah Évora completed the TOP 3, having been elected first and second runners-up, respectively. Letícia Marques and Mary John made up the TOP 5.
The first edition of Miss Universe Cape Verde also featured candidates Annet Lopes, Felicia Borges, Jamila Moreira, and Nélida Monteiro.
The contestants paraded in outfits by Samielle Couture, danced, wore traditional costumes representing the newly inhabited islands, as well as bikinis and evening gowns.
The candidates also presented their respective social projects and answered a series of questions from the jury, led by former Miss West Africa, Vanny Reis.
The competition was presented by Eder Xavier and Evelise Cardoso and featured a performance by musician Alberto Koenig, tributes, and the awarding of trophies, namely... "Beauty With Impact" which recognized five Cape Verdean women: Ana Hopffer Almada, Lígia Fonseca, Silvéria Nédio “Nita”, and athletes Ludmila and Janice Varela.
Mário Semedo received the trophy on behalf of the Cape Verdean Football Federation. Impact Award due to the team's performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Miss Universe Cape Verde Prissy Gomes also attended the event and passed the crown to the new titleholder.
Although Cape Verde will be represented in the 2025 Miss Universe pageant by candidate Prissy Gomes, this Saturday's gala was the first to take place in the country.
Balai.cv
