Beauty pageants are still a major part of Colombian culture. Women from across the country compete tirelessly from a young age, striving to prove that they are the most beautiful, the most talented, and even the most eligible.

From local festivals to national competitions, these pageants are about more than just looks—they represent grace, intelligence, and cultural pride.

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Are beauty queens—and their mothers, along with a team of attendants—simply grooming them to become the well-mannered wives of wealthy, high-profile men? Or are these women genuinely chasing their dreams, using pageantry as a stepping stone to a better life and leadership opportunities?

This article isn’t about criticism—it’s about asking deeper cultural questions. Where are we headed as a society in Colombia?

I’m not a beauty queen myself, but even I have experienced the intense attention of Colombian men, fascinated by my blue-green eyes—a feature they see as exotic. Instead of speaking from personal vanity, I offer this analysis in the spirit of deeper thought and cultural reflection.

Beauty Queens in Colombia

Beauty in Colombia: Natural vs. Enhanced

In a country known as a top destination for plastic surgery, natural beauty can sometimes feel rare—especially in regions like the Coffee Axis, where it remains an integral part of local identity. Colombian women have always had a natural flair for looking good, blending cultural pride with a thriving fashion scene and a strong demand for personal care products. Appearance is not just a preference—it’s a way of life.

Beauty pageants in Colombia are big business. Every major city—and even many small but well-known pueblos—host their own competitions. In Spanish, the term “Reinado” specifically refers to a beauty queen pageant, highlighting its deep-rooted significance in Colombian culture.

The Reinado Internacional del Café: Colombia’s Beauty Pageant Tradition

One of Colombia’s most famous beauty pageants is the Reinado Internacional del Café, held annually in Manizales, Caldas. Women from over 20 different countries compete for the coveted title, often expressing surprise at just how much Colombians—and their media—prioritize these high-stakes competitions.

Is it any wonder that beauty pageants are deeply embedded in Colombian culture?

Not at all. In fact, these events often take center stage at major festivals, including the Feria de Manizales—the largest and oldest citywide celebration of its kind in South America.

This year was no exception. The contestants arrived and were carefully escorted from one event to another, accompanied by dedicated police escorts throughout the week

But, are they so delicate they require constant security? Are they so weak that they rely on personal security to ensure that someone catches them if they wilt?

As a foreign resident, even I am unsure how to answer that question. But here are what some visitors and foreign residents are saying:

I am an actress, I haven’t really been to many pageants. I think that everything that has to do with beauty has to work like that (Marriage or Career). And, people think that and assume that. I don’t think we should care about what others think, but what we do. 

…Andrea Gavrich – Miss Serbia, International Coffee Queen Pageant

We can promote what we can provide – we can be a spokesperson for a company or initiative. I think that beauty has the power to promote positive culture and even help to solve social problems. They (beauty pageants), must create leadership in women. It can be a platform for women advocates, or to encourage women to pursue their dreams and passions.

…Yuka Alaki

I think the beauty pageants of today, are meant to create social leaders. As is the case with the recent Miss Universe competition where the winning candidate actually did a science experiment as part of her talent. For me, a trophy wife is someone that you can go look for (and find easily enough).

…Jessica Gerland, author of LaJessica.com

Here’s what some of my Colombian peers are saying, about Beauty Queens in Colombia:

I think it has a lot to do with stereotypes from the drug dealers/narco culture, and also influenced by them and TV shows like “Sin Tetas No Hay Paraiso.” Here in Colombia, many girls ask for plastic surgery for their 15th birthday, and the sad thing is, that many of them get it. Stereotypes are very common – but people also take them very seriously and go after being that trophy wife. (Translated from Spanish)

..Laura Tibaquira, Business Woman

Everything that has to do with Beauty Queens in Colombia, has been a bad copy of the exterior. They are leaders – in their own way. Over the last 4 or 5 years they have been trying to elect girls that beyond being pretty, who have a good capacity to lead. They are also trying to find a more complete profile. But if we are speaking of Colombia, even more so the Coffee Axis, it has a prototype of beauty which is very demanding. She must have the perfect size, the perfect smile – it’s a profile that is very worked over. Everything that has to do with the inside, truthfully is nothing. They are very well trained to respond however they need to. Many try to become influencers. It isn’t very well executed. There are exceptions, but in general the pageants aren’t really focused on helping others or create leaders. (Translated from Spanish)

..Luisa Fernanda O., Headhunter, Business Woman & Land Owner in Pereira, Colombia

In my personal opinion it is more of an event that corresponds to something traditional and that is exclusively commercial. To bring more public to an event, and that the event creates higher consumption of the sponsors products. And when they are married off as trophy wives, the relationships don’t really succeed.

..Andres A. Cali, Colombia

Finally, let’s look at a case study that is much closer to home. My cousin. Probably one of the greatest entrepreneurs who has impacted the way I lead in my own life and audience. I can honestly say that I admire the success and hard work she has put into becoming a great businesswoman.

When you are family to someone who is famous, mid famous or even low level celebrity, you begin to realize how they are actually normal people, with more discipline and motivation than the rest of us. Here’s my interview with her.

Jennifer Murphy | Miss Oregon USA to CEO of Go Girl Worldwide

Open Minded Traveler (OMT): How are you using your beauty to be a leader for women?

Jennifer: I create videos and educational content that teaches positive and empowering messages, and I am self-deprecating in my videos and content as a way to show them that I don’t take myself too seriously or focus on my exterior looks as a major factor. That doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy dressing up, looking my best for a special event, doing my makeup or curling my hair.

Jennifer: I think it’s important that we take care of ourselves and our appearances and appreciate the gifts we have been given in life. But again, sometimes beauty is only skin deep. True beauty comes from within. That is the message I try and teach as a leader to other women.

OMT: What are you passionate about?

Jennifer: I am passionate about living my life to the fullest and following my dreams. For me, that means building an organization of women globally who are empowered, who will empower each other and who will help solve some of our world’s problems.

Jennifer: I Founded GoGirl Worldwide in 2008 and I am passionate about creating all of the projects I set out to create, and teaming up with people who or smarter or more business savvy than I am to make it into a reality. I especially love producing funny and inspirational videos and writing / recording songs for music videos that I produce.

OMT: What is your biggest fear?

Jennifer: My biggest fear is not succeeding in my mission of building the vision that I set years ago. I believe it is something that I must do, and sometimes I am afraid that I won’t be able to overcome the challenges thrown my way. But I often remind myself to throw that fear out the window and keep moving forward. If I fall I get back up.

Jennifer: I also fear that I won’t find the man of my dreams, and will end up alone. But I keep faith that I will.

OMT: Do you feel that men appreciate you for your beauty or your intellect?

Jennifer: I feel that initially men appreciate me more for my beauty, but once they get to know me I think they appreciate my intellect and personality as much as my beauty, if not more.

OMT: What is your response to men who try to use conpliments to catch your interest?

Jennifer: I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a man using a compliment to catch my interest. But once he’s caught my attention he had better provide some stimulating conversation and seem to be interested in me as a person.

OMT: Do you feel that beauty pageants are to groom trophy wives or create leaders?

Jennifer: I believe most beauty pageants are aimed at helping to empower the woman, and help her with her confidence, poise, fitness and challenge her to be the best version possible. I think every woman is different, and it’s up to them to decide what they will choose to do with the empowered state they are in.

Jennifer: Most of the beauty queens I know, have gone on to become leaders, entrepreneurs and activists. Beauty queens know how to apply themselves and get things done. I’m sure some of them become trophy wives. Many become wives and mothers who also build businesses while running the household too.

Learn more about Jennifer Murphy and her projects at the following links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Youtubeblonde/

Website: http://www.gogirlmgz.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/JenniferMurphyGoGirl

Beauty Pageants in Colombia: A World of Their Own

To sum it up…

Latin American beauty pageants are often a world unto themselves, and Colombia’s beauty queens are no exception. Their culture is as vibrant and colorful as the country’s breathtaking landscapes.

Curious about what it’s like to date in Colombia? We’ve got you covered! 👉 Read More

At the end of the day, success looks different for every woman. It’s shaped by individual experiences, aspirations, and values. For me, the key is always finding balance between image and reality. The most important thing? Pursue your passion—with discipline and commitment, success will follow.

Be Your Most Authentic Self—Always!

Monday or not, strive to be the most authentic version of yourself every day.

💬 What are your thoughts on women in leadership within beauty pageants? Share your perspective in the comments below!

Stay tuned for more articles, insights, and adventures from The Open Minded Traveler! I’m thrilled to bring this site back alongside my other projects, and I hope you are too!

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