A new community tradition takes centre stage in Ayolas, a city in Paraguay’s Misiones Department. Miss Abuela 2026 (Miss Grandmother 2026) celebrates the role of grandmothers while supporting a charitable cause. The inaugural contest took place on 25 July at the Municipal Sports Centre. It brought together 15 contestants from communities within San José Mí Parish. The event combined family celebration, community participation and fundraising.
A different kind of pageant
Miss Abuela 2026 differs from traditional beauty pageants because community involvement determines the outcome. Each contestant represents a chapel community and sells solidarity raffle tickets costing ₲2,000 (US$0.33). The contestant who sells the most tickets receives the title. Community support therefore becomes the deciding factor in the competition. Olga Cirila Benítez de Bogado won the first Miss Abuela 2026 title after selling the highest number of solidarity tickets.
The ecclesial community of San José Mí Parish organised the initiative. Organisers created the pageant to recognise the contribution of older adults. They also encouraged families and neighbours to work together. In addition, they hope the competition becomes an annual Grandparents’ Day tradition in Paraguay, which honours Saints Joachim and Anne, traditionally recognised as the grandparents of Jesus.
Community at the heart of the event
Sixteen women initially registered for the contest. However, one withdrew because of health issues before the gala. Fifteen contestants therefore took part in the final event. Throughout the campaign, families, friends and neighbours bought raffle tickets to support their chosen candidates. Music and runway presentations added to the festive atmosphere.
Every raffle ticket also supports a long-term community goal. The funds help finance the legal regularisation and land titles for the parish’s 27 chapels. Organisers therefore see the pageant as more than entertainment. They believe it gives residents a practical way to support community projects.
A celebration beyond the crown
Olga Cirila Benítez de Bogado won the first Miss Abuela 2026 title after selling the highest number of solidarity tickets. However, the evening offered much more than a winner. The event celebrated older adults and strengthens community ties. At the same time, it raised money for projects that benefit the parish. Miss Abuela 2026 leaves Ayolas with a new tradition centred on family, solidarity and community life.
Also read: Paraguay’s Public Holidays: A Time For Family, Road Trips, And Celebration.
