Young model Rebecca Macedo, only 7 years old, was chosen as the new Mini Miss World in the early hours of Thursday (02) in Dubai. Wearing a white gown, Little Miss Brazil represented her country in the international pageant’s final held at Avani IBN Battuta in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where 35 candidates from all corners of the globe competed.
“It was so much fun; I loved participating! I made new friends, walked the runway, and wore my bee-themed outfit that also won,” said the young winner after her victory. Mini Miss Ukraine came in second place.
This title places Brazil at the top of children’s beauty pageants, marking its 21st edition of Little Miss and Mister World, a competition usually dominated by Europe, but this time captured by the young resident of Arujá-SP. The event is considered the largest and oldest international children’s beauty contest, featuring simultaneous categories for boys and girls aged 5 to 6, 7 to 9, 10 to 12, and 13 to 16 years old.
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Also known by the affectionate nickname “furacãozinho” (little hurricane), the girl hails from the municipality of Arujá, located 42 km from the state capital. The daughter of a lawyer and an accountant, she started preparing for the world title about a year ago when she won her first beauty pageant, under the guidance of beauty pageant expert and consultant Paulo Filho. Alongside Rebecca’s parents and her 15-year-old sister Mel, Paulo accompanied the young miss on her journey and throughout the competition days.
“Rebecca was simply amazing! Our little hurricane played, had fun, explored Dubai’s beaches, and participated in the contest as if it were a children’s Olympics,” Paulo celebrated.
“Even though it’s a competition, and yes, we all want to win, it’s important for the child to see it as a big game; it has to be light and fun, otherwise, it’s not worth it. We are very conscious about that and take it very seriously,” he explained. Paulo also coaches candidates for adult and teenage beauty pageants. Rebecca is now his fourteenth pupil to win an international competition.
Between travels, English lessons, dance rehearsals, and runway practice, the Mini Miss World 2022 balances her preparation routine with her primary education, prioritizing her studies in the second grade.
On Monday, November 6th, Rebecca will return to Brazil with the crown, landing in São Paulo, and later heading to Arujá, where she will be welcomed by local authorities and begin her reign.
COMPETITION ROUNDS
The 35 children in the competition went through several stages before the grand finale, being assessed for their performance. In addition to the Preliminary Interview and regular interview, as well as presenting a model portfolio, Rebecca stood out in the presentation of the traditional costume.
Dressed as a bee, Mini Miss World won the Best Traditional Costume category. With guidance from Paulo Filho, the costume was designed and created by carnival designer Bruna Bee. Titled “Jataí – The Solitary Bee,” the outfit aims to draw attention to the importance of bees, especially solitary ones.
Brazil boasts the world’s highest biodiversity of bees. Out of the 20,000 cataloged bee species, approximately 85% are solitary bees.
