International Pageant Day has been observed annually on April 8 since 2018. It recognises the dedication of all women who compete in pageants around the globe. Additionally, it is a day to encourage young women to participate in pageants due to their numerous benefits. This day also helps us recognise the significance of beauty pageants as a platform for contestants to exhibit not only their physical attractiveness, but also their personality, strengths, and intelligence. Whoever believes that attractiveness and intelligence cannot coexist has obviously never attended a pageant.
The background of World Pageant Day
In 1854, before founding the Barnum and Bailey Circus in 1871, Phineas Taylor Barnum produced the first modern American pageant. Unfortunately, dowries and tiaras were insufficient to entice Victorian women to exhibit themselves in public. Instead, he voted based on photographs displayed in his museum. It was a means to combine modern technology and commercial entertainment to jumpstart the beauty pageant industry, but it was short-lived. In 1888, a Creole contestant was awarded the title of “beauty queen” in Belgium using a similar entry consisting of a photograph and a brief description of themselves as part of the final selection for a panel of judges.
After the first Miss America competition was held in 1921, beauty pageants were deemed respectable. Organized to attract travellers to Atlantic City, New Jersey, it is the oldest pageant still in existence in which women between the ages of 17 and 25 competed in swimsuits. Galveston, Texas, organised the Galveston Bathing Girl Revue to start off the summer tourist season in the early 1920s, with contestants from the United States. In 1926, it became the International Pageant of Pulchritude, with participants from Mexico, Canada, England, Russia, and Turkey, among others. This is believed to have been the inspiration for modern beauty contests such as Miss Universe.
Other organisations established pageants such as Miss World in 1951, Miss United States and Miss Universe in 1952, Miss International in 1960, Miss Asia Pacific International in 1968, and Miss Earth in 2001 due to the enduring prominence of the Miss America pageant.
WORLD PAGEANT DAY ACTIVITIES
Hold a spectacular film festival.
Explore the world of beauty pageants through the lens of Hollywood. “Little Miss Sunshine,” “Miss Congeniality,” and “Miss Firecracker” are examples of films whose plots include pageants.
View pageant mistakes.
Pageants are serious competitions, so it is refreshing to see their humorous aspect. Since the internet is permanent, you will be able to locate these amusing or humiliating clips online.
Find out more about the reigning Miss Universe
How knowledgeable are you regarding the most attractive woman in the universe? Today is the optimal time to initiate that deep dive.
5 INTRIGUING FACTS ABOUT JOINING PAGEANTS
Contestants gain confidence by learning to speak in front of an audience, answer questions, and walk gracefully in heels, among other skills.
Most candidates’ social and professional networks are expanded by meeting individuals from various backgrounds, in addition to getting to know fellow candidates.
To be successful, contestants must train not only to appear good but also to sound good.
Scholarships, modelling opportunities, and apprenticeships are a few of the advantages of participating in pageants.
Contestants have causes they care deeply about, and the victors’ causes have the opportunity to garner more support.
WORLD PAGEANT DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 8 | Saturday |
| 2024 | April 8 | Monday |
| 2025 | April 8 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 8 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 8 | Thursday |
