Miss Universe 2026: Puerto Rico Prepares to Welcome the World for Historic 75th Anniversary

Contestants begin arriving November 8; St. Croix native Jenna-Monét Queeley to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands

By News Staff / FreedomCity Times

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Oct. 25,2026

Puerto Rico is preparing to welcome contestants from around the world beginning November 8 as the Miss Universe Organization launches its 75th-anniversary celebration, bringing an international spotlight to the island for one of the most significant editions in the pageant’s history.

The celebration will culminate with the Miss Universe 2026 grand finale on Tuesday, November 24, at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan. Up to 120 delegates are expected to participate in the competition, according to an October 20 announcement from the Miss Universe Organization.

The gathering period will include rehearsals, group activities, cultural experiences and tourism-related events designed to showcase Puerto Rico to an international audience.

 Additional activities are expected to include community initiatives, media events and celebrations throughout the competition period.

Three major events scheduled

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The anniversary celebration will feature three principal events at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico.

The National Costume Competition is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, giving delegates an opportunity to display costumes reflecting their countries’ traditions, heritage and national identity.

On Sunday, November 22, contestants will participate in the preliminary competition, featuring evening gown and swimsuit segments that contribute to the selection process for the final.

The festivities will conclude on November 24, when contestants compete for the Miss Universe crown before an international audience.

The organization has also opened public voting. The delegate who receives the most votes through the official voting platform will automatically earn a place among the Top 30 semifinalists.

Puerto Rico's history with Miss Universe

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The 2026 event marks the fourth time Puerto Rico has hosted the international pageant. The island previously welcomed the competition in 1972, 2001 and 2002.

Puerto Rico also has a distinguished record as a source of Miss Universe titleholders, having produced five winners: Marisol Malaret in 1970, Deborah Carthy-Deu in 1985, Dayanara Torres in 1993, Denise Quiñones in 2001 and Zuleyka Rivera in 2006.

The 75th-anniversary celebration therefore represents both a return to a familiar host destination and an opportunity for Puerto Rico to showcase its culture, hospitality and tourism industry to a worldwide audience.

In a September 2025 announcement, the Miss Universe Organization said the anniversary would include cultural, artistic and social activities beyond the main competition. Puerto Rico's government and tourism officials have also highlighted the event's potential to attract visitors and generate economic activity.

U.S. Virgin Islands represented by St. Croix native

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Representing the U.S. Virgin Islands in the international competition will be Jenna-Monét Queeley, a model and beauty entrepreneur born and raised in Montpellier, St. Croix.

Queeley, 29 years old as of October 2026, won the Miss Universe U.S. Virgin Islands 2026 title on June 14, competing against five other candidates at the Island Center for the Performing Arts in Christiansted.

With family roots in St. Kitts and Nevis, Queeley has pursued education, modeling and entrepreneurship. She began modeling professionally in 2016 and has participated in fashion shows in the Virgin Islands and New York City.

Her educational background includes an associate degree in forensic science from Seminole State College of Florida and a bachelor's degree in forensic psychology, with a minor in criminology, from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City.

In 2021, she launched Jenna-Monet Beauty, a cosmetics business whose stated mission includes creating inclusive products and inspiring future generations.

Her participation gives the U.S. Virgin Islands an opportunity to showcase its own talent, identity and cultural heritage on one of the world's most recognized pageant stages.

The territory has previously been represented at Miss Universe by Cherrie Raphaelia Creque, who reached the Top 12 in 1971. Queeley's performance in the 2026 competition will be closely watched by supporters throughout St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John.

An international celebration beyond the crown

Beyond the competition itself, the 75th-anniversary edition is expected to draw contestants, pageant fans, media representatives and visitors from numerous countries and territories.

For Puerto Rico, the event offers an opportunity to highlight its music, cuisine, history and cultural attractions. For the U.S. Virgin Islands, Queeley's participation provides a connection to a regional event that places Caribbean culture and representation before a global audience.

As contestants begin arriving on November 8, attention will turn to the cultural activities and public events leading up to the November 24 finale, when a new Miss Universe will be crowned.

Key dates

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November 8: Official contestant gathering and activities begin.

November 21: National Costume Competition.

November 22: Preliminary Competition.

November 24: Miss Universe 2026 grand finale in San Juan.