Crowning a new era: Redefining Beauty in Indo-Caribbean Pageantry

Author: Raiesa Ali & Shivane Chandool

Indo-Caribbean Beauty Magazine x Lotus Beauty Pageant: A Three-Part Series

Indo-Caribbean Beauty is excited to announce a unique collaboration with the Lotus Beauty Pageant for an exclusive three-part series exploring the world of pageantry. In this series, we interviewed the talented participants and winner, Saleena Ram, to gain insight into their experiences working in the pageant field within the Indo-Caribbean community.

Together, we’ll journey through the history of pageantry, how it has evolved, and what it represents today.

The Origins of Beauty Pageants: From Hungary to Global Phenomenon

The tradition of beauty pageants can be traced back to Hungary’s Belle of the Anna-Ball in 1825, marking the first recorded event of its kind. Initially held at a smaller community level across parts of Europe, beauty pageants quickly gained momentum, especially in the United States. Nearly a century later, in 1921, New Jersey hosted the inaugural Miss America contest as part of the city's Fall Frolic celebration, where women competed in categories such as bathing suits and "professional women."

By 1926, Texas capitalized on the growing popularity by hosting the first international pageant. Over the next few decades, these competitions expanded in size and audience, evolving into the global beauty pageantry industry we recognize today.

The Formation of Traditional Beauty Pageants

The Miss America Pageant, established in 1921, remains the oldest beauty contest still in existence today. Its success sparked a wave of other significant pageants worldwide, solidifying the foundation of modern beauty competitions. England introduced the Miss World contest in 1951, followed by Miss Universe in the U.S. in 1952, Japan’s Miss International in 1960, and the Philippines’ Miss Earth in 2001. These four prestigious events are collectively known as the "Big Four" Beauty Pageants.

While most of these pageants enforce age restrictions, some also prohibit women who are married or in relationships from competing. Though the Big Four are globally recognized, countless minor pageants continue to thrive worldwide, each incorporating local culture, customs, and traditions into their unique competitions.

Beauty pageants in the Indo-Caribbean community have a rich history intertwined with cultural preservation and pride, especially in countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Suriname, where Indo-Caribbean populations are significant. These pageants began as a way to celebrate Indian heritage and culture in a region where Indo-Caribbean identity often needed asserting due to colonial legacies and racial dynamics.

In the 1950s and 1960s, pageants like Miss India Heritage Trinidad were launched to showcase traditional Indian beauty, fashion, and cultural practices. These events offered Indo-Caribbean women a platform to express their identity and represent their communities, often incorporating Indian cultural elements such as saris, traditional dance, and spiritual values. In more recent times, contests like Miss Fem India Trinidad and Tobago have continued this tradition, combining glamour with cultural heritage​ (Indo-Caribbean Publications) ​(Miss Caribbean US Beauty Pageant, Inc).

These pageants also responded to mainstream beauty contests dominated by Western ideals. They have offered Indo-Caribbean women a chance to define beauty on their own terms, celebrate diversity, and promote community involvement​(CORE). While these more minor pageants may not have the same global reach as Miss Universe or Miss World, they play a crucial role in preserving the Indo-Caribbean diaspora's traditions, stories, and aesthetics.

In addition to local pageants, the Caribbean hosts regional competitions that blend different cultural influences, including Afro-Caribbean traditions, further showcasing the region's cultural fusion and diversity​(Island Origins).

Beauty Pageants in Today’s Society: A Struggle to Stay Relevant

Traditional beauty pageants, like those in the Big Four, historically focused almost exclusively on physical appearance, but over time, they began to lose touch with modern values. Viewership has steadily declined in recent years as younger generations found it difficult to relate to the pageants’ outdated standards. Additionally, controversies surrounding sexual harassment, body shaming, and overly competitive environments have added pressure for these competitions to evolve.

In response, many pageants have begun rebranding to reflect the demands for greater diversity, gender inclusivity, and body positivity. While judging based on physical appearance remains a central feature of the Big Four, they now aim to offer women a more well-rounded platform. Participants are encouraged to represent their countries by showcasing beauty and their professional aspirations, personalities, and ideas for tackling local and global issues.

The Potential Future of Beauty Pageants 

Some beauty pageants, whether at the local, national, or international level, are starting to realize they must be more inclusive of different cultures, body types, and lived experiences. While it can seem a bit dystopian that we still reduce women to their looks, beauty pageants have the potential to bring together a mix of women who are talented, multi-faceted, and community-minded. At their best and perhaps more radical form, they can show clear examples of women embracing their body types, having unique talents, and rooting for other women even if they hope to attain the same end goal.