Other peculiar pageants from around the world

Other peculiar pageants from around the world

Miss Petite

If you thought that height was the only issue to stop you from becoming a beauty queen, here's the perfect pageant.

This contest is meant for girls shorter than 1.67m. Isn't that the majority of women here? So that's the height issue sorted. Sadly you still have to have the looks too.

Miss Atom

If you thought this was a contest for women who are mind-blowingly hot, you are half-right.

This is an annual beauty contest open to female employees in Russia's nuclear industry. And yes, some of the past winners are red-hot.

Miss Klingon Empire

This pageant is definitely other-worldly and very nerdy. Held annually at the Atlanta Star Trek Convention, women dress up and assume the persona of any female Klingon character from the famous sci-fi series.

Given that you need full face make-up and prosthetics to get the alien effect, this contest could be won by those not blessed with good looks. Very egalitarian.

Miss Landmine

A pageant with more heart than most. This is for women in Angola who lost one or both legs because of the millions of uncleared mines left over from the African country's bloody civil war.

Norwegian artist Morten Traavik created this contest to celebrate pride and empowerment over physical perfection. The prize? Prosthetic limbs.

Miss Artificial Beauty

For those who believe beauty is skin deep, this contest in China is only open to women who have had cosmetic surgery. To make sure no natural beauties enter, contestants have to provide certification that they went under the knife.

Miss Russian Army

If you run an army and are looking to looking to recruit more female soldiers, organise a beauty contest. And that was what the Russian Defence Ministry did. But there is a downside as no bikinis are allowed.

Miss Condom

This contest was created to promote safe sex in Thailand. Entrants have to be able to blow up condoms like balloons, as well as have an extensive knowledge of HIV and Aids.

It is not a total departure from the traditional pageant as contestants are still judged on the all-important category of "onstage poise".

Miss Mosquito Legs

Held in the middle of the Texas mosquito season, contestants are require to don a pair of shorts and strut their stuff. This is not a lovely legs contest though as winners (there is also a Mister category) are judged by how skinny their legs are.


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