The young model Lina Luaces, daughter of TV host Lily Estefan and niece of the iconic musical couple formed by Emilio and Gloria Estefan, was crowned Miss Universe Cuba 2025 on Tuesday.
The coronation took place at an emotional gala held at Milander Park in Hialeah, a South Florida city with one of the largest Cuban communities outside the island.
Lina Luaces is Miss Universe Cuba
Lina Luaces, 22, represented Santiago de Cuba in the contest and won among 17 Cuban exile candidates, according to media outlets such as People en Español.
Born and raised in the United States, she proudly expressed her desire to inspire children and youth in Cuba, Miami and around the world through effort, preparation and education.
“I represent a generation of Cubans who learned that education and effort is the most important letter of introduction that anyone can present,” Luaces declared after receiving the crown.
A crown that returns after 57 years
This is the second consecutive time that a Cuban woman in exile receives the title of Miss Universe Cuba, after a silence of 57 years without official representation of the island in the international contest.
In 2024, Marianela Ancheta had broken the streak, and it was she who handed the crown to Lina Luaces at the close of the ceremony.
The election was organized by Julio César, a businessman who took over the franchise in April 2024.
Unlike the previous year, this edition had a more extensive preparation, with a selection process that began in January.
“It has been much more structured and with greater projection,” the director emphasized.
Awards and other finalists
In addition to the crown, Lina Luaces received the title of Miss Press and was acclaimed for her time on international catwalks, including three consecutive years participating in New York Fashion Week.
The podium was completed by:
Lisbeth Fernández (Pinar del Río) – First finalist, who spoke openly about her faith, resilience and the “miracle” of her life.
Vanessa Villarreal (Eastern Region) – Second runner-up, known for her emotional messages in support of the island, which won her the affection of the public.
“We are a resilient people who for years were denied having queens in beauty pageants. Today we are making history for the second time,” said Villarreal at the close of the event.
A high-level jury
The panel of judges included well-known figures such as:
Ninel Conde (Mexican actress and singer)
Maripily Rivera (businesswoman and stylist)
Anyella Grados (former Miss Peru)
Greidys Gil (Cuban model)
Carlos Herrera (MegaTV executive)
Melkis Díaz (RD Fashion Week Director)
The gala was hosted by Carlos Aydán, host of “En Casa con Telemundo”, and Sheynis Palacios, Miss Universe 2023, in a production that opened with a choreographed number of the 17 candidates to the rhythm of the pageant’s official anthem.
Next destination: Thailand
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With the Miss Universe Cuba 2025 sash, Lina Luaces will now travel to represent Cuba at the Miss Universe pageant, to be held on November 21, 2025 in Thailand, the country that will host the event for the third time in the pageant’s history.
For many in the Cuban exile community, this coronation represents more than beauty: it is an affirmation of identity, resilience and cultural pride that once again has a voice in one of the largest international showcases.
I represent a generation of Cubans who learned that education and effort is the most important letter of introduction that anyone can present
