"Miss Universe" contestant appears in costume of Our Lady of Aparecida icon

Photo: on the left - the icon of Our Lady of Aparecida, on the right - Maria Gabriela Lacerda. Photo: UOJ

Maria Gabriela Lacerda, Brazil’s Miss Universe 2025 contestant, appeared at the finals held on November 21 wearing a costume resembling the one depicted in the icon of Our Lady of Aparecida — a highly venerated image in Brazil, honored as the country’s patroness.

The 22-year-old Lacerda did not make it to the top 12 participants, but attracted public attention precisely with her image.

On her Instagram page, she explained her costume choice: "On this stage, I am wearing more than just a costume: I carry the history, the faith, and the identity of our people. Every detail of this traditional outfit is a tribute to Nossa Senhora Aparecida (Our Lady of Aparecida — Ed.), the Patroness of Brazil, whose light passes through generations and symbolizes resilience."

On her page, Lacerda states that she is Catholic. In addition, she is an ambassador for the charitable organization Mães da Sé, which has been helping families search for missing relatives since 1996.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that in Germany, an RCC priest held a Halloween service dressed as Dracula.

Read also