The sparkling Red Sea has some competition this weekend.
Upon arrival, the location – the port of Eilat – didn’t seem nearly as glamorous as the women inside. But stepping inside the special tent stage with a capacity of 4,000 imported from Portugal, the atmosphere quickly changed.
On the Friday before Sunday night’s competition, the contestants began their day with a dress rehearsal, first with a beaded opening gown, then a swimsuit, and finally an evening gown. They darted into the middle of the figure-eight stage and empty seats full of blankets to keep warm between rehearsals, many holding flats in one hand and masks in the other.
Later in the evening, they’ll compete in the “Ethnic Outfits” preliminary event, with outfits ranging from a shiny Canadian Mountie with black lace pants and knee-high boots (“she” She’ll make sure we’re safe”, host croons) for a moon dragon, fully equipped with two dragon heads.
But while the women try to grab the attention of the competition’s stage in the preliminaries ahead of Sunday’s main event, politics and the coronavirus are pushing them into a different kind of focus.
The crown of the lively era
Miss Universe contestants arrive at Israel’s Ben Gurion airport in Lod, east of Tel Aviv, on November 28, 2021. Credit: Ahmad Gharabli / AFP / Getty Images
One contestant, Miss France, Clemence Botino, tested positive for Covid-19 when she landed in the country and was taken to hotel quarantine – threatening her participation. Luckily, she exited just in time for Friday’s preliminary competition.
“This year in Israel has added new challenges as we have to update which vaccines will be accepted, travel dates and quarantine,” said Meg Omecene, Miss Universe Communications Director. Miss Universe Communications Director said.
All staff and contestants must be fully vaccinated within six months. They are also being checked on site every 48 hours in a special tent and must wear masks at all times when not on stage.
“It’s been a pretty rigorous Covid production but we’re all here and very excited for Sunday,” added Omecene.
Elle Smith of the United States competes in the National Costume section of the Miss Universe pageant, in Eilat, Israel, on Friday. Credit: Ariel Schalit / AP
Politics threatens to overtake the competition
As with previous international events held in Israel, such as the Eurovision Song Contest 2019, just such a large media event taking place in the country has drawn criticism and calls for a boycott.
The South African government withdrew its support and called for Miss South Africa, Lelela Mswane to drop out, citing Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, calling it “racism”, an allegation Israel has denounced. vehemently denied.
“If anything, by withdrawing, Miss South Africa’s overall reputation and standing will be much more enhanced in South Africa and internationally than a one-off event that could cause havoc. detrimental to her future and standing as a young black woman”. South African Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa said in a statement last month.
People protest outside the Miss South Africa Headquarters on November 19, 2021 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Credit: Alet Pretorius / Gallo / Getty Images
But Mswane – with the backing of the Miss South Africa organization – did not succumb to the pressure, choosing to go to Israel and compete.
South Africa’s Lalela Mswane performs during the National Costume section of the Miss Universe pageant, in Eilat, Israel, Friday, December 10, 2021. Credit: Ariel Schalit / AP
Dressed in a sparkling white dress in the midst of a dress rehearsal on Friday, Miss Israel, Noa Cochva, repeated a common chorus heard from Miss Universe organizers and contestants: Miss Universe should not talk about politics.
“It’s about us as human beings, being strong women,” Cochva told CNN between rehearsals.
Regardless of that wish, Cochva admits she faces double pressure while competing in her home country, and needs to be Israel’s ambassador – and protector – for the other 79 contestants.
Joking that her roommate, Miss America, calls her “the best tour guide”, Cochva said she sought to show her contestants a different image of Israel “than those of the world”. what you see on social media.”
Sofia Arapogianni of Greece performs during the National Costume section of the Miss Universe pageant, in Eilat, Israel, on Friday. Credit: Ariel Schalit / AP
Hoping for a tourism boost
With 80 contestants bringing along countless social media followers as they tour the country ahead of Sunday’s competition, Israeli tourism officials hope such publicity will help create the momentum needed. necessary when the country reopens.
Sara Salansky, a spokeswoman for Israel’s Ministry of Tourism, told CNN that they were approached in May about hosting the contest in December. The request came as Israel has reached a high vaccination rate and appears to be like it’s about to reopen, rolling out a vaccine faster than most other countries.
“This is a very good investment for the Department of Tourism,” Salansky said. “It’s not something that happens every day; when you get the chance, you have to take it and this is what we did.”
Contestants take part in the National Costume section of the Miss Universe pageant on Friday in Eilat, Israel. Credit: Ariel Schalit / AP
Contributing about 3% annually to Israel’s GDP, tourist numbers before the pandemic hit a record, Salansky said. About 5 million visitors were expected in 2020 before the pandemic hit, she added.
And although Israel’s borders remain temporarily closed to foreign nationals due to concerns about the Omicron coronavirus variant, Mr. Salansky said the opportunity presents Israel as a tourist destination to 600 million television viewers. around the world will have a lasting impact.
“A lot of people are skeptical about this kind of event but when we look at it, there is a lot of media and people are talking about it,” Salansky said. “So we’re looking at the positives, using the event to show positive things about Israel.”
That has involved herding 80 contestants up and down the country, from touring Jerusalem’s Old City to riding an ATV in the desert. Some activities, such as the “Bedouin experience” day, have been criticized by Palestinian activists.
“We are here to empower each other as women,” Smith said. “We’re just enjoying our time together and I think it really shows the strength of women in general and that’s what we’re trying to show on December 12th.”
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