Piauí native Maria Gabriela Lacerda, Brazil's representative at Miss Universe 2025, reached the top 30 among 122 contestants but was eliminated before the top 12. She paraded in a typical outfit honoring Brazil's patroness, Our Lady of Aparecida. The crown went to Mexican Fatima Bosch.
Maria Gabriela Lacerda, 22, from Piauí, represented Brazil at Miss Universe 2025. For the first time in four years, the country reached the top 30 in the competition, which featured 122 participants from around the world. However, the Brazilian did not advance to the top 12 and was eliminated in the next stage.
On Wednesday, November 19, Maria Gabriela showcased a national typical outfit during the parade. The ensemble paid homage to Our Lady of Aparecida, Brazil's patron saint, with blue and gold tones, delicate embroideries, a mantle covering from head to toe, and a crown shaped like a halo on her head. The choice highlighted elements of Brazilian faith and cultural identity.
In an Instagram post, the candidate explained her decision: “On this stage, I am not just wearing an outfit: I am wearing the history, faith, and identity of a people. Every detail of this typical attire honors Our Lady of Aparecida, patroness of Brazil, whose light spans generations and symbolizes resistance”.
The contest concluded in the early hours of Friday, November 21, with the crowning of Mexico's representative, 25-year-old model Fatima Bosch. Despite the elimination, Maria Gabriela's participation marked a positive return for Brazil to the international beauty pageant.