Bolivia once again has a representative in one of the world's most important beauty pageants. Valeria Mena, originally from Oruro, is tasked with wearing the national sash at Miss Universe 2026, an event that will take place in just a few months and that already has her feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.
The news is especially relevant now because the 75th edition of the pageant is drawing closer. The event will take place on November 24 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot, in San Juan, making the island the center of attention for the beauty industry during those weeks.
A Career That Began at Age 15
Valeria Mena is currently 24 years old, but her connection to beauty pageants is nothing new. According to an interview with ¡HOLA! Américas, she took part in her first competition when she was just 15, meaning she has accumulated nearly a decade of experience before reaching this international platform.
That previous journey, she said, fills her with gratitude for the opportunity that Miss Universe represents. The Bolivian expressed feeling honored to be able to represent her entire country on a stage with worldwide reach.
Heading to Puerto Rico
Among the aspects that most excite Valeria Mena is the chance to get to know Puerto Rico, host of this edition of the pageant, as well as to spend time with the other candidates from different countries who will compete for the crown.
The gala on November 24 will bring together representatives from dozens of nations at the Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, one of the island's most iconic venues for this type of large-scale event.
Poetry and Social Commitment, Two Lesser-Known Sides
Beyond the runway, Valeria Mena has revealed a particular sensitivity through poetry, a side of her that has been little known until now. This artistic inclination is intertwined with a social project that the Bolivian candidate has championed and which, she shared, is inspired by the love she feels for her grandmothers.
This combination of art and social cause is part of the identity Valeria seeks to convey during her time at Miss Universe, adding to her presence in the pageant a message that goes beyond aesthetics.
What to Expect from the 75th Edition of Miss Universe
This year's edition promises to be one of the most closely followed by Spanish-speaking audiences, not only because of the chosen venue in Puerto Rico, but also due to the growing visibility that Latin American representatives have gained in recent pageants.
For Bolivia, Valeria Mena's participation represents a new opportunity to put the country on the map of international beauty, in a context where each delegation seeks to stand out both for their physical presence and for their personal and social projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Valeria Mena?
She is Bolivia's representative at Miss Universe 2026, originally from the city of Oruro, with previous experience in beauty pageants since the age of 15.
How old is Valeria Mena?
She is 24 years old, as she confirmed herself in an interview with ¡HOLA! Américas.
When and where is Miss Universe 2026 being held?
The 75th edition of the pageant will take place on November 24 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot, in San Juan.
What social project does Valeria Mena champion?
The Bolivian candidate has developed a social project inspired by the love she feels for her grandmothers, although the full details of this initiative are part of her personal story that she has shared in interviews.
Does Valeria Mena have other artistic sides?
Yes, the Bolivian representative has revealed that she is a poet, a side of her that was little known until her participation in Miss Universe 2026.
Is this the first time Valeria Mena has taken part in a beauty pageant?
No. As she has recounted, her first experience in beauty competitions took place when she was 15, long before becoming Miss Bolivia.
