26-04-2025
Miss Puerto Rico of Greater Hartford contestants announced
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — The contestants competing for the crown of Miss Puerto Rico of Greater Hartford were announced Friday evening.
Over a dozen young women will compete in the cultural contest, and there was plenty of excitement in the air during the announcement of the contestants.
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The process started back in January, and it's not easy to get into. They must learn a lot of history just to get to this point.
'The participants will present a town in Puerto Rico from their parents or grandparents and they have to study,' said Miss Puerto Rico of Greater Hartford President Sammy Vega. 'They have been going for the nine weeks so far they go to culture classes.'
Thirteen young ladies between ages eight and 18 answered questions and competed for the titles in the Miss Puerto Rico of Greater Hartford cultural contest.
They had presentations and displays from the country, which represents their family. Pageant Director Ellie Joya is in charge of getting the young girls ready for the contest.
'I prepare the girls with modeling class with how to talk in public, dance, so many things,' Joya said.
There are three age groups, Little Miss Puerto Rico (ages 7-11), Preteen Miss Puerto Rico (ages 11-14), and Miss Puerto (ages 15-18). Rico Lyla-Grace Arzuega is the reigning Little Miss Puerto Rico from 2024. She traveled the state, bringing attention to her heritage and culture.
She noted her favorite part of being Little Miss Puerto Rico was the parade.
'I got to be in a parade and on the news and on TV,' Arzuega said.
Lina Rivera, the 2024 Miss Puerto Rico winner said her favorite event was giving toys to preschools children at Christmas time.
'It was a very enriching experience to see their reaction, and interact with young children,' Rivera said.
The 13 candidates stood on stage Friday night and made their presentations. The 2025 Queens will be announced on May 24. Rivera offered her advice to the candidates.
'I would say to believe in yourself, and step out of your comfort zone,' Rivera said. 'In the beginning of this I was very shy and very nervous, but once you tell yourself, you can do it, your nerves go away and you've got it this.'
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