Colombia is once again turning its eyes to the most-watched beauty pageant in the world. María Alejandra López, chosen as Miss Universe Colombia 2026, is preparing to travel to Puerto Rico, the host of a special edition that marks 75 years of history this year, known as the diamond edition.
The event is crucial for the country, which has already won the universal crown twice and is now aiming to add a third title with the 32-year-old representative, who arrives at the pageant with a very personal motivation: her mother's legacy.
A family heritage in the world of pageantry
María Alejandra is the daughter of Luz Stella Pérez, who decades ago also ventured into the world of beauty pageants by participating in contests in the department of Risaralda in 1990. That maternal experience became a silent guide for the current Miss Universe Colombia.
In an interview with ¡HOLA! Américas, the Colombian queen shared how that closeness to the world of crowns, experienced since childhood through her mother, left her with lessons on discipline and perseverance that she now applies in her own preparation for the international pageant.
Heading to Puerto Rico: the diamond edition of Miss Universe
María Alejandra is scheduled to arrive in Puerto Rico on November 24, the date on which her official participation in the activities leading up to the grand final of Miss Universe 2026 will begin. The choice of the island as the host is significant: it is an edition that celebrates 75 years of the pageant, which is why the organization has dubbed it the diamond edition.
For Colombia, the challenge is high. The country has managed to be crowned Miss Universe twice throughout the history of the contest, and national expectations are set on María Alejandra adding a third crown in this commemorative edition.
Discipline and admiration as a starting point
Her mother's influence is not limited to the memory of having competed in a regional pageant. As María Alejandra herself recounted, that family experience showed her from a young age the value of effort and the constant preparation that this type of contest demands, something she ensures has shaped her way of approaching the process toward Miss Universe 2026.
With that foundation, the Colombian representative faces the weeks leading up to her trip to Puerto Rico with her sights set on representing her country in the best possible way on a stage that, due to its special anniversary, promises to have even greater international media attention.
Frequently asked questions
Who is María Alejandra López?
She is the woman chosen as Miss Universe Colombia 2026, who will represent the country in the international pageant to be held in Puerto Rico.
How old is María Alejandra López?
She is 32 years old, according to information confirmed at the time of her presentation as Miss Universe Colombia 2026.
Where will Miss Universe 2026 be held?
The pageant will take place in Puerto Rico, in an edition that celebrates the 75th anniversary of the contest, called the diamond edition.
When does María Alejandra López travel to Puerto Rico?
She is scheduled to arrive in Puerto Rico on November 24 to begin the activities leading up to the Miss Universe 2026 final.
What is her mother’s relationship with beauty pageants?
Her mother, Luz Stella Pérez, participated in beauty pageants in the department of Risaralda in 1990, an experience that influenced María Alejandra's path into the world of pageantry.
How many times has Colombia won Miss Universe?
Colombia has won the Miss Universe crown twice throughout the history of the pageant and is now seeking a third title with María Alejandra López.
