Miss Bolivia 2026 Valeria Mena returns to Oruro for jubilant homecoming celebration

Oruro, Bolivia – Valeria Mena Ferreira, the newly crowned Miss Bolivia Universo 2026, was welcomed home to Oruro with an outpouring of public affection. Hundreds gathered at the airport to celebrate her national victory, which secures her representation at the upcoming Miss Universe pageant.

The city, known as the folklore capital of Bolivia, organized a vibrant celebration. This included a large parade through the streets, a religious mass, and a formal welcome event held outside the Basílica Menor del Santuario del Socavón, a significant national landmark.

Mena was greeted by local authorities, institutions, and folkloric organizations who expressed pride in her achievement. During the ceremony, she emphasized that her success was a collective effort. "Today I have one word that could summarize my entire speech: thank you," Mena stated from the stage. "The word 'thank you' identifies everything I have achieved to date because I have not done it alone. I have done it with a team behind me, with eyes looking at me from the front and illuminating me with their light, which has been that of all my people from Oruro. With the words of my family, with the blessing of my little Virgin of Socavón. Counting all those people who have joined this dream, the only thing I could say today, standing before you, is thank you."

The celebration continued with a motorcade that wound through the city, accompanied by cheers and applause. The Autonomous Municipal Government of Oruro officially recognized Mena, highlighting the pride she brings to the department. Mena, visibly moved, reaffirmed her devotion to the Virgen del Socavón and thanked her supporters once more.

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Today I have one word that could summarize my entire speech: thank you. The word 'thank you' identifies everything I have achieved to date because I have not done it alone. I have done it with a team behind me, with eyes looking at me from the front and illuminating me with their light, which has been that of all my people from Oruro. With the words of my family, with the blessing of my little Virgin of Socavón. Counting all those people who have joined this dream, the only thing I could say today, standing before you, is thank you.