Dominican Republic celebrates first Miss World win in 44 years
Photo: Miss World
Dominican Republic erupted in joy as Joheirry Mola secured a historic win at the 73rd Miss World Festival in Nha Trang, Vietnam on Saturday.
She made history as only the second woman from the Dominican Republic to wear the Miss World crown, ending a 44-year wait since Mariasela Álvarez secured the nation’s first title in 1982.
The historic achievement sparked immediate celebrations across the country, drawing congratulatory messages from top state officials, public institutions, media houses, and prominent figures.
President Luis Abinader led the national praise, expressing his excitement shortly after the coronation. He emphasized the monumental significance of reclaiming the crown after more than forty years.
Mola’s coronation rapidly captured the nation’s attention, becoming a headline story across television, newspapers, digital platforms, and social media, in addition to the President’s swift congratulations.
Vice-President Raquel Peña joined the nationwide celebrations and recalled hosting Mola before the champion left for Vietnam. She also praised Diany Mota, the National Director of Miss World Dominican Republic, and her daughter, Diana, for their immense dedication in training and supporting the country’s contestants, especially Mola throughout her journey.
First Lady Raquel Arbaje commended the years of preparation, hard work, and persistence that paved the way for this historic milestone. Minister of Tourism David Collado called the victory a profound source of national pride and emphasized the core values that the new Miss World embodies. He praised Mola for winning the crown with a campaign centered on purpose, service, and education, representing Dominican talent, values, and devotion to inspire the entire nation.
Ministry of Women of the Dominican Republic also joined the national festivities, organizing a special tribute to celebrate the return of the Miss World title after a 44-year wait. However, the most heartfelt response came from Mariasela Álvarez, who won Miss World 1982 and stood as the country’s sole titleholder until Saturday night.
Álvarez said she welcomed the news with tears of joy, comparing her emotions to watching her own daughter’s coronation. She lauded Mola’s natural beauty, intelligence, confidence, and profound sense of purpose, describing her as a magnificent representative of Dominican women.
Joheirry Mola secured her spot in the Miss World quarterfinals by winning the Top Model Challenge for the Americas and Caribbean. During the grand final, she steadily climbed through the Top 40, Top 20, Top 12, and Top 6 rounds before the organizers announced her as her country’s new Miss World.
A teacher and media communicator, Mola put education at the absolute center of her pageant campaign. Through her Beauty With a Purpose initiative, “Voices of Tomorrow,” she champions English-language education for children and youth in vulnerable communities, building their self-confidence and opening fresh pathways for their future.
Source: Miss World (adapted)
