The short version
- Cuba en Miami reported that Mía Dío left Miami International Airport on Sunday surrounded by flowers, Cuban flags and supporters
- She wore a white outfit with wing-like shoulders called "El Pájaro de Dos Alas" designed by Juan Carlos Piñera to honor Cuba and Puerto Rico
- Telemundo Miami reported that the representative said she carries "the dreams of all Cubans" and wants to showcase Cuban culture
- El Nuevo Día reported that although born and raised in Miami, Mía Dío longs to know the island of her family
Departure from Miami
Mía Dío, Miss Universe Cuba 2026, left Miami International Airport on Sunday bound for Puerto Rico. Cuba en Miami reported she departed amid flowers, flags and supportive signs. One sign read "We love you, Mía. You’ve already won" in English and Spanish.
For the trip she chose a white outfit whose shoulders opened like two wings. The design, named "El Pájaro de Dos Alas" by the Miss Universe Cuba organization, pays homage to the Caribbean roots and culture shared by Cuba and Puerto Rico. Designer Juan Carlos Piñera focused the tribute on the shoulders with overlapping white pieces forming wing silhouettes. It was completed with wide-leg white pants, a long train and red and blue waist details.
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Support and message
Supporters gathered inside the terminal with a large Cuban flag, small hand flags and posters. Her luggage featured gold lettering with "Cuba" and her name. Cuba en Miami reported that in a video she appeared holding a bouquet of white flowers while answering questions.
Mía Dío later shared a message on Instagram in Spanish and English about what the trip meant to her. She told those who came to see her off: "¡Me llevo todo ese amor conmigo!" Telemundo Miami reported that the representative assured she carries with her "the dreams of all Cubans" and wants to use the international platform to show different facets of Cuban culture.
Personal connection
El Nuevo Día reported that although born and raised in Miami, Miss Universe Cuba 2026 Mía Dío holds the longing to know the island of her family and to discover up close the land she now has the responsibility to represent on the international stage.
Where the sources differ
All three sources agree that Mía Dío traveled from Miami to Puerto Rico to represent Cuba in Miss Universe 2026 and that she carried the dreams of Cubans. Sources [1] and [2] describe her departure from Miami International Airport with supporters and a special outfit honoring Cuba and Puerto Rico, while source [3] focuses on her personal desire to know the island of her family. Source [2] provides the most detail on the outfit name, designer and specific messages from supporters; sources [1] and [3] add shorter quotes and context but do not conflict with [2].
What the reports do not say
The reports do not state where or when the Miss Universe 2026 competition itself will take place, whether Mía Dío will participate in any pre-pageant activities in Puerto Rico, the length of her stay on the island, or any specific plans once she arrives. They also do not mention results from prior Miss Universe Cuba selections or reactions from Cuban or Puerto Rican officials.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Reporting Cubana Mía Dío parte de Miami rumbo a Miss Universo 2026 con un traje que homenajea a Cuba y Puerto Rico
- Reporting Miss Universo Cuba viaja desde Miami a Puerto Rico para representar a la isla
- Reporting Desde la isla que la enamoró, Mia Dio está lista para representar a Cuba en Miss Universe 2026
How we checked this
Cuba en Miami provided the most detailed account of the airport departure, the outfit and Mía Dío's Instagram message. Telemundo Miami and El Nuevo Día contributed supporting quotes and background on her representation of Cuba and connection to the island. All details in the article rest on at least one of these three sources.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.
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Contributions go to Puerto Rico.com, LLC. They are not charitable donations and are not tax-deductible. Payments are processed by Stripe.