Colombia’s culture is rich in diverse celebrations that bring together hundreds of people around various themes, including vibrant beauty pageants.
Beyond the many contests that celebrate women’s beauty across various regions, Colombia also hosts pageants dedicated to some of the country’s most cherished products, industries and even animals. Here are some of the most unique ones:
The Donkey Pageant
San Antero, Córdoba, and Moniquirá, Boyacá, come alive during Holy Week with the Donkey Pageant, where donkeys dressed in elaborate costumes and bearing names like Shakira and Barack Obama take center stage.
The event includes races, highlighting the region’s love for these animals and often featuring humorous or political themes.
The Chicken Pageant
In the village of La Oriental in Marsella, Risaralda, and in La Florida, Pereira, July’s Chicken Pageant showcases hens dressed in colorful outfits, with names like Doña Cuca and Goldilocks. Each bird is judged on health and appearance, blending fun with a nod to local poultry pride.
The Ugly Pageant
In Marinilla, Antioquia, the Ugly Pageant each July celebrates the region’s most unconventional appearances. Twelve men finalists, playfully nicknamed “Slapped Face” and “King Kong,” parade through town on floats with models, building excitement as they compete for the unique title of “King.”
The Cold Pageant
In Tunja, Boyacá, the October Cold Pageant highlights the region’s chilly climate as contestants dress in traditional wool outfits. These garments not only keep participants warm but also celebrate Boyaca’s heritage in natural-dyed wool, showcasing local craftsmanship.
The Yuca and Totumo Pageant
Held every February in Tubara, Atlantico, the Yuca and Totumo Pageant combines beauty with agricultural pride. Contestants vie for the title of “Queen” by showcasing grace, dancing, and charisma while paying homage to these regional staple crops, yuca (cassava) and totumo (calabash).
The Papaya Pageant
Lejanias, Meta, hosts the Papaya Pageant each October to celebrate the region’s status as one of Colombia’s largest papaya producers. Contestants honor the beloved fruit and local industry, which contributes to Colombia’s production of 140,000 tons of papayas annually.
The Soup Pageant
Riquirre, Cesar, hosts the Soup Pageant each February, a unique celebration of Colombia’s culinary heritage. Contestants are not only judged on appearance but must also demonstrate knowledge of the nutritional, cultural, and gastronomic significance of Colombian soups.
The International Pineapple Pageant
Santander’s International Pineapple Pageant, held each August, attracts contestants from across Latin America, including Aruba, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica. Participants compete in categories that test their knowledge of pineapple production and celebrate this tropical fruit’s economic importance.
The International Panela Pageant
Villeta and Nocaima, Cundinamarca, proudly host the International Panela Pageant every January. Running for nearly 40 years, it welcomes contestants from Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, all celebrating panela – traditional unrefined cane sugar – and an iconic product of the region.
Colombia’s International Coffee Beauty Pageant
Held in Manizales, Caldas, every January, the International Coffee Pageant draws contestants worldwide, who participate to pay homage to Colombia’s coffee heritage. This nearly 60-year tradition crowns a queen who represents the values of the coffee industry. The current titleholder is Yuri Uchida from Japan.