On Tuesday, October 22nd, Miss Universe Belize Halima Hoy left the country to compete in the 73rd Miss Universe Pageant. This year, the prestigious pageant will occur on November 16, 2024, at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City. In her preparation for this event of a lifetime, Hoy has been working closely with her team to ensure a strong representation of Belize.
In a recent press interview, Hoy expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received, stating, “The journey has been incredible. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but it is a testament to hard work and dedication. This title is not solely about me; it is about my country and how I can best represent our people”. She emphasized the importance of mental preparation alongside physical readiness, as both are essential for addressing the challenges that may arise during the competition.
A crucial aspect of the Miss Universe competition is the National Costume Category. Hoy and her team have chosen the “Xwankil,” a traditional Maya deer dance costume, following a competition that invited local artists in Belize to submit authentic designs. The selection of the Xwankil costume has received positive feedback from the Belizean public and highlights the rich cultural heritage of the Mayan people. Hoy elaborated on the historical significance of the Xwankil, explaining that it symbolizes resilience and the preservation of Mayan identity throughout the period of colonization. She believes this costume will resonate with an international audience and connect to shared Mayan traditions in Mexico.
Miss Universe Belize expressed, “I hope to see our flags in the crowd because I want everyone to understand that this journey reflects all of us. You are an integral part of my journey, and I am a part of yours. As a neighbor in Mexico, I am excited to witness that. I may struggle to maintain my composure when I see all those flags; it could evoke strong emotions on stage. However, seeing that support visually will significantly boost my confidence. While I know I have this support, experiencing it in person will have a different impact. It would mean a lot to me, as I often say that this title is not just about me but about my country and how well I can represent our people—our strength, intelligence, poise, passion, and friendliness.”
To encourage community involvement, the Miss Universe Belize Foundation has launched a campaign urging Belizeans to support Hoy by voting on the official Miss Universe website or at Choicely.com. The voting system allows for both free and paid votes, with the paid option enabling supporters to purchase additional votes. This support is essential for Hoy as she strives to secure a place among the top thirty contestants in the competition. Wendy Castillo, the Fundraising Director of the Miss Universe Belize Foundation, emphasized the significant opportunity for Belizeans to support Halima by voting.
The 2024 Miss Universe pageant will feature contestants from 130 countries. On this exciting evening, the Arena CDMX will come alive as a new Miss Universe is crowned, with the reigning queen, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, set to pass on her title.
The San Pedro Sun joins the Belizean community in wishing Miss Universe Belize Halima Hoy the best in her journey.
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