
Rocio Durcal impersonator
God bless the drag queens! The Miss Universo Carnavál Mazatlán beauty pageant was last night, and we thoroughly enjoyed attending. I had no idea we had so many queens in Mazatlán! The Diamond Show Center in Olas Altas was filled, the huge lineup of judges included several of our expat favorites, and past, present and future queens were on hand—as were Rocio Durcal and Jenni Rivera (impersonators in drag)!
A past queen
The event center was filled
Some of the judges
Some of the judges
I have long wanted to attend this event, but 2015 is the first year I’ve been able to do so. It was much more serious/low-key than similar events I’ve attended in Tokyo, Frankfurt, or San Francisco, and naturally so.
I was warmly accompanied by a bevy of non-drag beauties, who hung out with me prior to and during the show. Ms. Ginger wrangled us primo seats as well, between the dressing room and the stage. Sadly for me, my camera battery died very early on in the evening, so many of the photos you see are taken with my old cell phone.
My grrrrrl power partners last night
Luis is back!
Our seats were between the dressing room and the stage
Our seats were between the dressing room and the stage
Our seats were between the stage and the dressing room
We had a drink at Copa de Leche and were able to watch as many of the show’s stars arrived. It felt like being on the red carpet!
Candidates and performers arrive
Candidates and performers arrive
“Beauty with a Purpose” organizes this annual fundraiser. Last night’s pageant was in benefit of this beauty, who is suffering facial paralysis. Past fundraisers have supported cancer and HIV patients, as well as those with heart conditions. 
The Diamond Show Center is spacious and comfortable, and our service was outstanding! Thank you, Ramón!
Winner of the competition last night was Ms. Puerto Rico, center in the photo below. She had a huge crowd of very loud fans, who waved flags and giant letters spelling out her name, Fany.

Photo credit: Sandy Hill Pool
Our table’s favorite was Ms. Colombia, in the photo below. She won “Ms. Personality.” You can see why. Thanks to Sandy, a talented photographer who had front-row judge seats, for permission to use both these photos!

Photo credit: Sandy Hill Pool
The winner of the evening, to me, was the beautiful queen who, in the midst of her song, started to strip off her garments, her wig, even her bra, to reveal the man’s body beneath! God bless him for the confidence to do that on stage; it brought tears to the eyes of many of us in the audience. I unfortunately do not know his name to share with you. Thanks to Susie for the pic below, which she was able to catch from her cell phone.

Photo credit: Susie Morgon Lellero
Bless Mazatlán for all its diversity, beauty, and incredible people! It is a privilege to live here.
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