Mia Donadio crowned Miss Universe Cuba 2026 in Cutler Bay
The new Miss Universe Cuba 2026 is Mia Donadio, a Cuban-American from Miami who has become a symbol of perseverance and passion as she defends Cubans’ right to live in freedom on social media.
Second time’s the charm for Donadio, who placed in the top five last year and was crowned on Thursday by Lina Luaces Estefan, Miss Universe Cuba 2025, at the final gala held at the Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center in Cutler Bay.
A content creator, influencer and graduate in International Relations from Florida International University, Donadio stood out for her mastery of public speaking, a skill that could take her to the top at the Miss Universe global pageant on Nov. 20 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Born to a Cuban mother and an Argentine father, Donadio, 25, highlighted the “legacy” of her family, which from a young age allowed her to understand Cuba’s situation up close.
Her grandfather is José “Pepe” Cancio, a Bay of Pigs veteran, and her cousin is activist Sylvia Iriondo, a survivor of the downing of the Hermanos al Rescate planes ordered by the Cuban regime on Feb. 24, 1996.
“I carry Cuba in my blood and a whole country in my voice,” Donadio said in response to the judges’ question about what she would promise to the people who trust her as their queen.
The panel of judges included television hosts Carolina Sandoval and Amara La Negra from Univision; actress Alina Robert—first runner-up in Miss Universe Cuba 2024 and director of Miss CubaUSA; actress and producer Alicia Machado, Miss Universe 1996; and influencers Alexander Otaola and Pollito Tropical. The rest of the panel was completed by Miami businesspeople and television executives, and pageant directors from Latin American countries.
The gala was hosted by radio personality Enrique Santos of iHeart Media and presenter Jessica Carrillo of Telemundo.
A competitive Miss Universe Cuba
Now in its third year, the Miss Universe Cuba pageant upped the ante for the preparation of its contestants. In the final gala, 19 participants competed in two rounds of swimsuit and evening gown presentations and in two elimination question rounds.
The finalists were Daniela Reyes (Pinar del Río); Liz Lauren Mosquera (La Habana); Lorena Suárez (Región Central); Daniela Espinosa (Ciego de Ávila); and Yramsi Barcena (Mayabeque). They answered the same question from the judges, posed individually while the other contestants had their ears covered.
Donadio also took home the sashes for Best Hair, Best Face, and Best Figure. Liz Lauren Mosquera was recognized as the contestant with the Best Skin. Ana Cabrera, representing the Western Region, was named “Belleza Integral” (Best Overall Beauty). These awards are presented not by the judges, but by the pageant’s sponsors.
The Popularity Award, determined by social media voting, went to Regla Díaz, the representative from Santiago de Cuba.
Venezuelan lawyer and designer Prince Julio César, director of Miss Universe Cuba, stated at the conclusion of the event that the finalists would continue working with the organization to prepare them for other beauty pageants.
Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar congratulated Donadio, highlighting the responsibility of “proudly representing Cubans and raising a voice for the millions who still lack freedom.”
“Let your voice carry the cry of a people to the world: Cuba Libre!” Salazar said on the Miss Universe Cuba Instagram profile.
Donadio concluded the gala by highlighting the effort of Cubans, which “bears fruit everywhere beyond their country.
“Cubans flourish wherever they are, and I am ready to flourish before the universe in Puerto Rico,” she promised.
Sarah Moreno cubre temas de negocios, entretenimiento y tendencias en el sur de la Florida. Se graduó de la Universidad de La Habana y de Florida International University. @SarahMoreno1585