Tahiz Panus, director of Miss Universe Ecuador: ‘I was proud to see Nadia Mejía and Mara Topic applauded’
The recent Fruit and Flower Festival in Ecuador showcased key figures from the Miss Universe pageant, raising questions about the roles of the current and future titleholders.
The recent edition of the Fruit and Flower Festival in Ambato, Ecuador, brought together notable figures linked to the Miss Universe competition. The event featured Fátima Bosch, the current Miss Universe from Mexico, who made her official visit to Ecuador as an international special guest. Mara Topic Verduga, the newly crowned Miss Universe Ecuador 2024, welcomed Bosch upon her arrival, while Nadia Mejía, the reigning Miss Universe Ecuador, participated in the main parade, creating a distinctive atmosphere during the festival.
The differing roles of Topic and Mejía stirred discussions on social media from the outset. Followers of beauty pageants voiced their curiosity about why Mara Topic was the one to greet Fátima Bosch at the airport instead of Nadia Mejía. This has fueled speculation and prompted discussions among fans regarding traditional roles and competition dynamics within the Miss Universe Ecuador organization.
Tahiz Panus, director of Miss Universe Ecuador, addressed concerns about the decision-making that led to Topic being the welcoming figure for Bosch. By emphasizing the pride felt in seeing both titleholders acknowledged by the public, Panus aimed to reassure fans and clarify the intentions behind the arrangements during this significant event, ultimately highlighting the collaborative spirit of representation within the competition.