Puerto Rico details Miss Universe agenda

The Puerto Rico Tourism Company (CTPR) released a schedule Wednesday of public events tied to the 75th Miss Universe competition, with activities planned across Aguadilla, Ponce, Guaynabo and Hato Rey before the pageant's final on Nov. 24. The first public appearance by contestants is set for Wednesday, Nov. 11, in Aguadilla.

Willianette Robles Cancel, executive director of the CTPR, said the agency worked with municipalities, organizations and partners to build the schedule. "Serving as host of Miss Universe represents an extraordinary opportunity to project Puerto Rico to the world, strengthen our tourism industry and share the diversity of experiences that make our island a unique destination," she said. She added that the agency wants visitors to take away "an authentic experience of our culture, our hospitality."

The Aguadilla event on Nov. 11 will be held with the municipal government and Mayor Julio Roldán. The CTPR said the program will include music and entertainment, and contestants from various countries will take part.

On Saturday, Nov. 14, Ponce will host Luz de Esperanza: Universo Rosa en Puerto Rico, a social event with support from Dra. Ana Di Marco. The CTPR said the gathering will bring contestants together with cancer patients for an exchange of experiences and messages. Ponce is located in the south of the island.

Guaynabo, in the metropolitan area, will host contestants at Parque Forestal La Marquesa on Monday, Nov. 16, under Mayor Edward O'Neill. The visit is listed under the title Puerto Rico, Belleza que Trasciende el Universo. The CTPR said the program will present the municipality's recreational and natural attractions.

A Tuesday, Nov. 17, activity at SER de Puerto Rico in Hato Rey is coordinated with the organization's president, Nilda Morales. SER de Puerto Rico provides services to people with disabilities and their families. Each contestant will contribute an item representing her country, and the items will be offered at auction afterward.

The official Miss Universe calendar includes a traditional costume parade on Nov. 21, a preliminary competition on Nov. 22 and the final on Nov. 24. Telemundo will carry the final from 7 p.m. ET, with Jacky Bracamontes and Carlos Adyan hosting.

The CTPR said the activities are designed to bring the pageant's events to residents across the island. The Aguadilla event on Nov. 11 is the first public event on the released schedule.