Curacao celebrates Top 5 finish at 71st Miss Universe pageant


Miss Universe Curacao 2022 Gabriëla Dos Santos received a warm welcome when she arrived back in her home country from the 71st Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans.

The 20-year-old certified life coach managed to achieve a Top 5 placement among 84 contestants during the Miss Universe 2022 final telecast on January 14 despite having tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the competition.

It was Curacao's third-highest placement at Miss Universe next to Annemarie Braafheid (Miss Universe 1968 first runner-up) and Verna Vasquez (Miss Universe 1997 Top 6 finalist).

A welcome parade was organized for Gabriëla on Sunday, January 22 to celebrate her well-deserved success on the prestigious international stage.

"Yesterday was an experience like no other. I am so grateful for the incredible welcome home parade I received from my dushi Kòrsou," she shared on social media.

"Words cannot describe how touched and honored I felt to see people from all walks of life, young and old, come together in unity to show me love," she added.

Photos: Curacao Beauty Pageant Committee, Curacao Tourist Board

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