As preparations for Miss Universe 2026 gather pace in San Juan, Puerto Rico, India’s representative Kaziah Liz Mejo is looking forward to experiencing the host country beyond the pageant stage.
The 19-year-old law student, who was crowned Miss Universe India 2026, recently shared a video discussing the places, flavours, music and traditions she hopes to discover during her time in Puerto Rico.
With more than 100 contestants expected to represent countries around the world, the international pageant is set to bring together contestants from diverse cultural backgrounds.
For Kaziah, however, the Puerto Rico experience is about more than competition. She wants to meet people, understand local traditions and experience the island through its food and music.
Kaziah Liz Mejo Dreams of a Bioluminescent Bay Experience
One of the experiences Kaziah is particularly excited about is visiting one of Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays.
Talking about the possibility of going kayaking in the glowing waters, she joked that she would probably turn the experience into a “full-blown Bollywood moment.”
Kaziah said visiting Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays had been a long-standing dream of hers. She also drew a connection between the island’s natural light and India’s cultural relationship with light.
Coming from a country known for festivals and traditions centred around light, she said the experience would make her feel at home.
‘Puerto Rico Would Be Mango With a Little Bit of Spice’
Food is another major part of Kaziah’s plans for discovering Puerto Rico.
Asked to imagine Puerto Rico as a flavour, the Miss Universe India titleholder described it as mango with a little bit of spice—bold, tropical and vibrant, but with an unexpected kick.
She connected the description with Indian food culture, where strong flavours and spices are an important part of the culinary experience.
“As an Indian, trust me, I get it because we love our food and our flavours to be so bold, and our experiences even more so. So, Puerto Rico, I am ready to taste your flavours,” she said.
Her comments reflect the way she wants to approach the country—not simply as a pageant destination, but as a place to experience through its local cuisine.
Salsa Matches Kaziah’s Personality
Music is another part of Puerto Rican culture that has caught Kaziah’s attention.
The Miss Universe India representative said salsa is the rhythm that best reflects her personality.
She pointed to the dance form’s expressions, movements and dramatic energy, adding that she finds it difficult to remain still when good music is playing.
Kaziah admitted that she may not know all the dance steps, but said she is ready to bring plenty of energy to the experience.
Her enthusiasm adds a playful element to her preparations ahead of the global pageant.
Kaziah Explains ‘Yo Soy Boricua’
Kaziah also spoke about the Puerto Rican expression “Yo soy boricua”, which she interpreted as an expression of identity and pride in where one comes from.
She drew a parallel between Puerto Rican and Indian cultural identities, saying both cultures place importance on carrying their heritage wherever they go.
For Kaziah, cultural pride does not require everyone to speak the same language.
“Cultures might have different languages but pride in where you come from needs absolutely no translation,” she said.
She added that she wants to understand the stories behind Puerto Rico’s traditions and experience the connection people have with their culture.
‘The Best Way to Discover a Place Is Through the People’
Rather than limiting her experience to sightseeing, Kaziah said she wants to discover Puerto Rico through its people.
She hopes to listen to local music, try traditional food, hear stories, learn about traditions and dance with the people she meets during her stay.
The Miss Universe India titleholder said cultural experiences are meant to be shared, drawing again on her own Indian background.
“As an Indian, I know that when you love your culture, you don’t just carry it, you share it,” she said.
Her approach reflects the cultural-exchange aspect of an international pageant, where contestants represent their countries while also experiencing the traditions of the host nation.
Kaziah Liz Mejo Heads to Miss Universe 2026
With Miss Universe 2026 preparations underway at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Kaziah is preparing to represent India on the international stage.
But before the competition takes centre stage, she appears eager to experience Puerto Rico on her own terms.
“I am coming to Puerto Rico with an open mind, a curious heart, and probably way too much energy, but I know that the best way to discover a place is not through a postcard but through the people who call it home,” Kaziah said.
For the 19-year-old law student, her Miss Universe journey is therefore about more than a crown. It is also an opportunity to connect with another culture while carrying her own Indian identity with her.
