Miss Universe Belize reveals National Costume for 2024 competition
With a focus on climate change and Belize’s rich cultural and natural diversity, Miss Universe Belize Halima Hoy unveiled her national costume as she departed her country on Tuesday for the 73rd Miss Universe Pageant.
The National Costume ‘Xwankil (Maya Deer Dance)’ was revealed on social media.
According to the Miss Universe Belize Official page, the powerful national costume is inspired by the revered Deer Dance, a traditional Maya performance that symbolizes resistance, preservation, and the enduring strength of community.
Crafted as a tribute to Belize’s rich cultural and natural diversity, the costume reflects the stories that bind the nation to the land, its people, and its shared heritage.
The costume is adorned with mirrors, which serves as a profound symbol with each reflection encouraging Belizeans to embrace their identity and reminding them of their inseparable connection to the earth.
As Belize is home to a plethora of cultural narratives and landscapes, the design celebrates the unity found in their shared experiences, carrying forward the lessons of the past to safeguard the future.
At its core, Xwankil also conveys an urgent message on climate change. The imagery of burning forests incorporated into the design represents the tangible impact of the environmental crisis Belize faces and echoes the country’s resounding call for global climate action.
The costume stands as a symbol of beauty, resistance and the unbreakable bond between Belize and its natural world.
The 73rd Miss Universe 2024 final will take place on November 16 in Mexico.
