Miss California Latina Pageant - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How old are the competitions?

A: In 2008 the Miss Latina US Pageant will celebrate its 25th anniversary. The MISS LATIN AMERICA and MISS LATINA US™ competitions began as concurrent events in 1983 in Miami, Florida; MISS TEEN US LATINA™ made its debut in September 2003 in Riviera Maya-Cancun, Mexico.

2008 will be the first year that California will hold a state pageant. Prior to this, California was an at large state and delegates were selected though an application process.

Q: Are these competitions different from others in the USA for Latinas?

A: Yes. MISS LATINA US™ (originally named “MISS LATINA USA” until 2001 revision per agreement with Miss USA/Universe Organization) is the first national competition established in the United States exclusively for Latinas leading to an international event. It continues to be the only pageant whose winner advances to a world competition. It is also the only national Latina pageant in the U.S. that follows traditional pageant guidelines for participants and affiliate preliminary competitions, among which is that delegates may not be married or have children, and only one delegate can represent each state.
MISS LATIN AMERICA is the most prestigious and famous pageant in the world for Latinas in the U.S, as well as the longest-running.

Q: What are the competitions about?

A: Acirema Alayeto established the international MISS LATIN AMERICA pageant system to showcase the beauty and culture of Latin American women and to support their personal and professional pursuits, while also contributing to the promotion of tourism and goodwill in the Americas.

Q: Who produces these competitions?

A: The Gala Company produces the Miss California Latina and Miss Teen California Latina pageant under the direction of Jennifer Rodriguez.

Organizacion Miss America Latina, Inc., a Florida corporation in good-standing, produces the Miss Latina US, Miss Teen US Latina and Miss Latin America annually and directs a network of affiliates nationally and internationally. Franchise licenses are awarded to operate state and national pageants around the world to select winners to the MISS LATINA US™ and MISS LATIN AMERICA Pageants, respectively. It is the largest pageant system exclusively for Latinas in the world, with the most preliminary pageants in the USA than any other Latina “system.” It has received awards and recognitions from Presidents, Tourism Ministers, Governors, and Mayors here and abroad for its distinguished work and objectives.

Q: Where are these competitions held?

A: Initially held in Miami, Florida, since 1986 both MISS LATIN AMERICA and MISS LATINA US™ have take place in exotic locations in different Latin American countries each year. For USA delegates, it represents and exciting opportunity to identify more firmly with their heritage and provides them with an enriching cultural experience. Host countries in the past have been Costa Rica, Bolivia, Mexico, El Salvador, Argentina, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Dominican Republic. In 2006, Organizacion Miss America Latina decided to bring the MISS LATINA US Pageant back to the United States in celebration of its 23rd anniversary.

Q: How do the delegates get to the national competition?

A: For MISS LATINA US™ and MISS TEEN US LATINA™ and states have preliminary competitions, which are produced by local and state directors. The winner of the city competition goes on to compete in the state event for her home city; state winners go on to the national competition. However, a delegate may enter a state competition without having won a city title, and where there are no state preliminaries, she may apply for her state’s representation as an at-large delegate. MISS LATIN AMERICA delegates must win their respective competitions in the countries where they reside to compete in the contest. In the case of the United States, MISS LATINA US™ goes on to represent the United States in MISS LATIN AMERICA.

Q: Must delegates be US citizens to participate in the National competition?

A: No. The competition is also open to legal residents of the USA who meet all of the other eligibility requirements.

Q: Can someone born in another country and living in the U.S. represent that country in the MISS LATIN AMERICA Pageant?

A: No. Delegates to the MISS LATIN AMERICA Pageant must participate in the competition of their respective countries of residence to win that representation. However, “nationality” representation is available in the MISS LATINA US™ and MISS TEEN US LATINA™ competitions for those living in the US that want to represent their birth place or that of their parents/grandparents.

Q: How is the Miss Californian Latina and Miss Teen California Latina Pageant judged?

For the Miss and Teen divisions each contestant will be judged in three areas of competition; Interview, Evening Gown, and swimsuit for Miss and fashion wear for Teen. Judging criteria includes character, poise, confidence and personality.

Q: Is there a talent portion of the competition?

A: No, there is no performing talent required.

Q: Do you need modeling or pageant experience?

A: No experience necessary.

Q: If I win, will it interfere with school?

A: We make school the number one priority! Our program only encourages your success! Almost all of your appearances, celebrity events, and charity work will take place during the weekend and will be scheduled in advance.

Q: What prizes do the winners receive?

A: Each Titleholder on a state and national level is awarded cash and prizes from the event's official sponsors.

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