The 70th edition of Miss República Dominicana 2026 revealed its top 10 finalists Thursday night at the Carlos Piantini hall of the National Theatre in Santo Domingo amid applause and surprises.
( JUAN GUIO )
The top 10 selection opened with an unusual twist: Miss San José de Ocoa was the first finalist named, chosen by public vote through the Sendwave platform. The organisation announced she would become an official brand ambassador as a result.
The nine remaining finalists were Miss Distrito Nacional, Miss Santiago, Miss Monte Plata, Miss Santo Domingo de Guzmán, Miss Azua, Miss Samaná, Miss Concepción de La Vega, Miss Monseñor Nouel and Miss La Vega.
Current Miss Universe Fátima Bosch of Mexico then conducted the question-and-answer segment. The competitors also paraded in swimsuits to music by Dominican singer Magic Juan before taking the stage in evening gowns, where judges assessed their elegance, runway quality and elaborate costumes.
Hosts Carolina Aquino, Brea Frank and Jessica Pereira had earlier presented the full top 20 of the Miss República Dominicana Universo 2026.
Special awards
The gala also handed out individual honours. Valentina Campion of Samaná was named Miss Popularity. Mayra Joli of Santo Domingo Norte received the Miss Superación prize, recognised for her viral story of returning to the competition at age 60, thirty-five years after her previous attempt. Elena Izzo Anselmi of Distrito Nacional won Miss Elegancia, Melissa Domínguez of Azua took Miss Fotografía, Paola Michelle Cruz García of Santiago received Miss Cuerpo, and Yisqueiris Del Rosario Fulgencio of La Romana was named Miss Comunicación.
Thirty-seven official candidates competed in this edition, including influencers, actresses, presenters and communicators, in a contest the organisers say aims to move away from the traditional pageant mold.
Social cause
Under the direction of Magali Febles, the edition is centred on a social initiative called La Casa del Autismo, designed to provide comprehensive support to children on the autism spectrum and their families. Febles said she wanted to leave a legacy for families who lack the resources for diagnoses and treatments, and that children on the spectrum deserve opportunities and a more conscious and supportive society.
The winner will represent the Dominican Republic at Miss Universe 2026, to be held at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico.
