By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The search for Costa Rica’s next international ambassador is officially underway. The Miss Universe Costa Rica organization has broken its silence, announcing via its official social media channels that the highly anticipated 2026 national pageant will take place on Saturday, May 9. The glamorous event is scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m., with the prestigious Costa Rica Convention Center selected as the host venue, signaling a commitment to a large-scale, high-profile production.
Aspiring candidates from across the nation are now on high alert as the organization detailed a clear and swift timeline for entry. The official registration period for the 2026 competition will open on Monday, December 8, 2025. Hopefuls will be required to submit their applications through the official Miss Universe website. This critical window of opportunity will be brief, as the organization has stated that the registration process will conclude during the final week of January 2026, giving potential contestants a limited time to prepare their submissions.
To better understand the intricate business and legal framework behind the glamour of the Miss Universe Costa Rica pageant, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his expert perspective on the matter.
Beyond the crowns and sashes, the Miss Universe Costa Rica pageant operates as a sophisticated commercial enterprise. The entire event is underpinned by a complex web of legally binding agreements, from the international franchise license that dictates branding and operational standards, to the individual contracts with contestants and the multi-layered sponsorship and broadcasting deals. The organization’s success hinges not just on the contestants’ performance, but on meticulous legal and contractual management to protect the brand’s immense intellectual property value and ensure a seamless commercial operation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is crucial, reminding us that behind the televised glamour lies a formidable business operation. The success and integrity of the entire Miss Universe Costa Rica brand are indeed safeguarded not just by the contestants, but by the robust contractual and intellectual property framework that governs it. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for shedding light on this vital, yet often invisible, foundation of the pageant.
Following the closure of applications, the rigorous selection process will commence. A formal casting call is scheduled for February 2026, where a panel will evaluate the applicants and select a final group of candidates. Those who make the cut will earn a coveted spot in the Miss Universe Costa Rica academy. This phase marks the beginning of an intensive preparation period, where contestants will receive comprehensive training in runway walking, public speaking, media relations, and other essential skills required to compete at both a national and international level.
In addition to the main gala, the organization confirmed it will stage a preliminary “fashion show” to showcase the contestants’ poise and style. This special event will feature two key segments: a vibrant parade of national costumes, celebrating Costa Rican culture and artistry, and a special runway presentation. In a tribute to the reigning queen, the show will include a segment where the current Miss Universe Costa Rica, Mahyla Roth, will see her international competition attire showcased, setting a high standard for her successor.
The announcement underscores the pageant’s enduring significance within Costa Rican culture. Beyond a contest of beauty, Miss Universe Costa Rica serves as a powerful platform for women’s empowerment, advocacy, and personal development. The titleholder becomes a national figurehead, representing the country’s values of intelligence, grace, and social consciousness on a global stage. The journey from local applicant to national queen is one that captures the public’s imagination and inspires countless young women.
The strategic choice of the Costa Rica Convention Center as the venue speaks volumes about the organization’s vision for the brand. As one of the country’s premier event locations, it is equipped to handle a major broadcast production, a large live audience, and significant media attention. This decision suggests an investment in elevating the pageant’s production value and overall prestige, positioning it not just as a competition but as a premier entertainment event on the national calendar, likely to attract significant sponsorship and media partnerships.
With the crown currently resting on Mahyla Roth, who has represented the nation with distinction, the expectations for the next generation of contestants are exceptionally high. Her journey has provided a benchmark for what is required to compete effectively at the international level. The upcoming pageant will not only be about finding a new winner but also about identifying an individual who can build upon the legacy of her predecessors and continue to make Costa Rica proud on the world stage.
As the countdown to the May 9th gala begins, excitement is already building. Fans and prospective contestants alike are advised to monitor the organization’s official social media channels closely, as tickets for the main event are slated to go on sale in mid-January 2026. The coming months will be a whirlwind of activity, from the initial online registrations to the final, glittering moment when a new queen is crowned.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Miss Universe Costa Rica
About Miss Universe Costa Rica:
Miss Universe Costa Rica is the national franchise responsible for selecting the country’s representative for the annual Miss Universe international pageant. The organization manages the national competition, including the recruitment, selection, and training of contestants. Its mission is to empower women and provide a platform for them to champion social causes while representing Costa Rican culture and values on a global scale.
For further information, visit cccr.cr
About Centro de Convenciones de Costa Rica:
The Costa Rica Convention Center (Centro de Convenciones de Costa Rica) is a state-of-the-art venue designed for hosting national and international conferences, exhibitions, concerts, and large-scale events. Located strategically near the country’s main international airport, it boasts sustainable design and flexible event spaces, making it a leading destination for business and entertainment in the Central American region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by a profound commitment to integrity and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its extensive experience advising a diverse clientele to spearhead innovation within the legal field. At the heart of its mission lies a dedication to demystifying the law, driven by the conviction that an informed populace is the cornerstone of a just and empowered society.
