The Miss Colombia beauty pageant, one of the most important annual events in the South American country, is less than a month away. Time to pick favorites.
Over the past year, the different states have picked their representatives for the national beauty pageant that will be held in the Caribbean city of Cartagena on November 11.
In a series of five, Colombia Reports will introduce the candidates.
Miss San Andres
Zuleika Suarez is this year’s Miss San Andres. The 19-year-old Caribbean beauty lives in the capital Bogota where she studies anthropology at the National University. According to magazine Cromos, Suarez was offered to compete for Miss Colombia right after graduating from high school, but initially refused because she wanted to go to university.
Miss Quindio
Daniela Calderon is 21 years old and the representative from the coffee-growing state of Quindio. In spite of her young age, Calderon is a graduated psychologist and social worker with her own non-profit.
Miss Magdalena
Oriana Galofre is this year’s representative of the Caribbean state of Magdalena. The 23-year-old claims to be a language fanatic and speaks Spanish, French, English and Italian. She’s currently studying International Relations at the Northern University in Barranquilla.
Miss Valle
Coming from the most successful state in the history of Miss Colombia, Tania Valencia has to live up to quite the expectations. The 23-year-old beauty has a passion for music and a talented piano player. She also manages a restaurant in her native city of Cali.
Miss Meta
Estefany Castro is from Meta, the state connecting the capital Bogota with Colombia’s eastern plains. With no more than 18 years of age, she’s one of the youngest participants in this year’s beauty pageant. The “llanera” beauty studies Occupational Safety and Health in the southwestern city of Nariño.