Nicaragua’s Jasmine Blandford was named the winner of "La Gran Despedida," an initiative by the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) that recognized the send-off celebrations candidates’ followers organized around the world before the contestants’ arrival in Puerto Rico. The organization highlighted the enthusiasm of Blandford’s fans, who held a farewell gala in Miami and a gathering at the Fort Lauderdale airport, where she boarded her flight to the island.
The welcome continued in Puerto Rico on November 6, when her supporters organized activities to highlight the historic and cultural ties between the two countries. Blandford visited the Roberto Clemente monument in Carolina, in recognition of the legendary ballplayer’s humanitarian legacy and his connection to Nicaragua, then took part in a celebration in Cayey that included music, traditions and a caravan.
The event also featured a traditional Nicaraguan gigantona, with which a cultural exchange took place. As her prize, Blandford will enjoy a private dinner with her family and work team before the Miss Universe 2026 final. Nicaragua was chosen from ten finalist countries by an internal committee, which evaluated the planning effort behind the send-offs, the originality of the activities and the reach of the fan celebrations.
MUO clarified that the recognition is independent of the official competition and has no effect on the judges’ evaluations or the final night’s results. The 75th-anniversary edition brings more than 100 candidates to Puerto Rico and ends Tuesday, November 24, with the coronation at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot.