Whilst beauty pageants have always had a controversial nature, this year’s Miss Lebanon pageant evoked a different, sentimental emotion in the hearts of Lebanese citizens. The pageant was promoted across social media with the hashtag #WeMissLebanon, eluding to the suffering that the country has witnessed over the last few years. With economic turbulence, political corruption and extreme poverty, Lebanese people are aching for the old Lebanon which we all remember and love to return. Yesterday, crowds gathered at the Forum de Beyrouth whilst thousands sat in their living rooms watching the Miss Lebanon 2022 pageant taking place, and it was clear that it was a moment of pride and hope for every Lebanese person. With heartfelt speeches dedicated to their beloved country, women were competing for the chance to be crowned this year’s Miss Lebanon by an impressive judging panel.
Of those judges, was digital influencer and a voice to a generation of Lebanese people, Karen Wazen, as well as Michel Fadel, Mohamad Yehya, Karolina Bielawska who represented Poland as Miss World 2021, Nayla Tueni, Ivan Caracalla, Hilda Khalife and Miss Lebanon 1993 Samaya Chedrawi. Rima Fakih, who was crowned as Miss USA 2010 and is now the National Director of Miss Universe Lebanon, made a heartfelt speech which was posted on social media, saying “as National Director of Miss Lebanon with Miss Universe, it’s important to me to see the name of our country Lebanon, on the Miss Universe stage.” She continued, “I hope that this year, the girl that is crowned Miss Lebanon, will help strengthen, support and raise the name of our country, Lebanon, in the entire world. This is more important than a dress and a walk on the stage.”
After 17 contestants walked on the stages and presented their pride, the panel of judges came to the consensus on who will hold the title of Miss Lebanon 2022. Maya Reaidy, Miss Universe Lebanon from 2018-2021, crowned her successor, Yasmina Zaytoun, as Miss Lebanon 2022. Yasmina, a 20 year-old journalism student and educational show host, wore a stunning bright pink Georges Hobeika gown.
Several women from around the region showed their support to the new Miss Lebanon with comments on her Instagram post, including Karen Wazen, Rima Fakih and Enjy Kiwan.
