Miss US Italia Pageant

Miss US ITALIA returns to Providence, RI as Host City for National Competition
Pageant, slated for November 2024 will draw participants and their families from throughout the country.

The search is on for 2024 Miss US ITALIA delegates. After a hiatus, the 2024 National Miss US ITALIA Pageant returns to Rhode Island this fall. Rhode Island, renowned for its substantial Italian American population, serves as the birthplace of the competition, Established as Miss RI ITALIA in 2014, the pageant expanded to accept out of state participants in 2017, and in November officially welcomes participants from across the country. Contestant groups are divided into six age categories; girls 6-11, 12-15, 16-19, 19-26, 27-39, 40 and up, who are of Italian American descent by birth or ancestry. Contestants may be married or unmarried.

“Rhode Island is the perfect place to host this event. Not only are we a popular tourist destination, we have a rich tradition of Italian American heritage," said Pat Paolino Cruz, Pageant Founder and Executive Director. According to the National Italian American Foundation, Rhode Island had a population of 199,077 Italian Americans in 2024 and has the highest per capita population of Italian Americans in the country. The United States is home to over 18 million Italian Americans.

“I am thrilled to bring back an event that honors and showcases the beauty and heritage of Italian American girls and women not only in Rhode Island, but nationwide.” said Paolino Cruz. Pat has extensive experience in the pageant industry. Her journey began more than 30 years ago as a nationally sought after pageant photographer and makeup artist. She would go on to organize one of the earliest and largest Pageant Expos, published The Pageant Consultant Quarterly Magazine for several years before it was acquired by Pageantry Magazine and initiated Miss RI ITALIA. She is currently the producer of several large-scale events including Rhode Island Women's Expo and Taste of Rhode Island,

During the competition, judges will evaluate contestants in areas such as stage presence, personality, grace and interview. Winners and runners-up will be chosen in each age division. Titleholders receive a range of prizes as well as have the opportunity to make public appearances, participate in parades, and engage in philanthropy and community events from both their home state and the host state of Rhode Island throughout the year.

A special Community Involvement Award will be presented in honor of Isabella Corcelli, a former Miss RI Italia titleholder who lost her battle with cancer in 2016 at age 21. The award will be given to an outgoing titleholder who demonstrated consistent support and volunteerism to local charities throughout their reign.

Every year, 2.5 million American women participate in approximately 100,000 beauty pageants. The global industry is valued at more than $5 billion, underlining the significant economic impact and influence of these competitions. The annual Miss US Italia Pageant is anticipated to generate an economic boost for event sponsors and local businesses in the state. "The prospect of drawing people to Rhode Island for this occasion is an exciting one. Our goal is to showcase our Italian American heritage in a positive manner and also to boost tourism, encourage community involvement, and to enhance visibility of event sponsors and local businesses." said Paolino Cruz.

Welcome and coronation events as well as the main event will be held in Providence and will take place in various locations. Details and ticket information will be shared on the event's official website. Contestant applications will be accepted through October 1, 2024.

For more information on 2024 Miss US ITALIA Visit: missusitaliapageant.com