Carlina Bonilla, the oldest contestant in this year’s Miss Universe Costa Rica, has withdrawn from the competition. Bonilla, a 38-year-old interior design student from San José, made history as the first participant to exit the Miss Universe Costa Rica organization. Her departure was announced just as the competition gears up for its reality show segment, which promises to keep audiences engaged from June 24 through July 26, airing nightly on the ¡Opa! channel.
A Graceful Exit Amidst High Hopes
Bonilla expressed that her decision to leave was one of the most challenging she has ever made. Although specific reasons for her withdrawal were not disclosed, she shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, indicating a poignant pause in her dream, hinting at other opportunities on the horizon. Her gratitude towards the production team and her fellow contestants, whom she referred to as “very special” people, was palpable in her farewell.
The Competition Forges Ahead
With Bonilla’s departure, 19 contestants remain in the fray, ranging in age from 18 to 36, hailing from various regions across Costa Rica. These contestants were chosen through public voting over several days, reflecting a diverse mix of professionals ready to take on the challenges ahead.
Preparing for the Crown
The reality show segment will test the contestants through various challenges, grooming them with expert guidance in both physical and emotional disciplines. Each week, one contestant will leave the competition, culminating in the final selection of 15 beauty queens who will proceed to the dynamic final round.
A New Queen Awaits
The winner of Miss Universe Costa Rica will go on to represent the country at Miss Universe 2024, scheduled to be held in Mexico this September. The current Miss Universe, Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua, will crown the new queen during the national contest’s finale on September 10, 2024.
This year marks a new chapter for the pageant, which was previously managed by Teletica. The franchise’s last queen under Teletica’s management was Lisbeth Valverde, who represented Costa Rica at the last Miss Universe in El Salvador.
As the pageant continues, all eyes will be on how these ambitious women navigate the pressures and triumphs of Miss Universe Costa Rica, each aspiring to not only win the crown but also to embody the grace and resilience that the pageant celebrates.
