It was approximately 8 am in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico and the streets were filled with music, dance and more than 90 colourful national costumes from the Miss World contestants.
It was 5 AM on the 28th of November 2021 and I remember face timing my mum, happy tears filling up her eyes. I stood proudly in my National costume, each colour and gemstone placed carefully to symbolise the rich culture of my country. The striking red and orange was symbolic of the 'jungle fowl', the national bird of Sri Lanka and in that moment I couldn't help but feel the immense pride and joy I had for wearing my national costume.
The Miss World contestants all reached Old San Juan where we all gathered around and adored one anothers national costumes. Each of us, proudly speaking about the symbolism of their costume and the cultural heritage of their own countries. Looking back it was one of the most amazing experiences during my Miss World journey because I had the opportunity to learn so much about my sisters and their cultures. I remember distinctively about Miss Norway explaining about how her costume was native to her island near Norway and how the design of the national costume varies across Norway's regions and how Miss Netherlands, costume colours symbolized the flag of Netherlands.
It was one of the most memorable experiences at my Miss World journey and a day I would certaintly never forget! I remember after our group was done we all proudly sang through the streets of Old San Juan some popular girl power anthems. It truely was one of the most unforgettable moments at Miss World.
To end this entry, here's my quote of the day:
“A moment lasts all of a second, but the memory lives on forever.”
Lots of love and hugs,
Sade
