The final preparations are underway for next Saturday’s Miss Italia nel Mondo – Malta contest, which will be held at the Westin Dragonara Resort.

The 21 contestants are going through rehearsals and photo shoots as they aspire to represent Malta in the 16th edition of the international contest to choose the most beautiful girl of Italian origin that resides outside the peninsula. This final will be held in Salsomaggiore on 28 June, and will be transmitted worldwide by RAI and RAI International.

The competition brings together participants of Italian descent or who have Italian surnames. The event has been held for a number of years in Malta, and for the second time it is being organised by Q Productions Ltd, under the directorship of Antonella Vassallo.

Saturday’s show includes the participation of some of Malta’s best singers, such as Ira Losco and her band, Scream Daisy, Chris and Moira (Krave), Ali & Lis and Tristan B. The final will also include a hair-show by Framesi, and a fashion show featuring Pierre Cardin underwear. La Danza Group and dancers from the Bridgette Gauci Borda School of Ballet will also participate.

Danish singer Anita Lerche will give a classical rendition of some of the most popular songs while violoncellist Eva Jiulia will team up with DJ Steve Caesar to provide the music. During the show there will be various titles awarded, with the topmost being Miss Italia Nel Mondo Malta 2006. The show will be presented by Andrea Cassar and Joseph Chetcuti.

Tickets for the show are on sale at Lm8 with Lml4 for VIP including after-party. Tickets may be booked through hotline 7990-9866.

The participants in the Miss Italia Nel Mondo – Malta contest are: Mandy Formosa, Elishia Carabott, Caroline Gatt, Sabrina Agius, Marija Cumbo, Mariella Borg, Leanne Bezzina, Antonella Brincat, Yasmin Haider, Denise Camilleri, Nicole Buttigieg, Enrica Rita Costa, Charlene Vella, Jasmine Azzopardi, Vanya Falzon, Adriana Zarb, Emilia Borg, Jessica Bianco, Marthese Borg, Antonella Chircop and Sandy Muscat.

Dubbed “the Olympics of Beauty”, this international contest aims to bring beauties of Italian descent from over 42 countries together in one night, so as to elect the most beautiful “international” Italian girl. During their stay in Italy, the participants spend a full week of promotional and modelling activities that include photo shoots, interviews and rehearsals.

As in previous years, the main sponsors of this event are Miren International, Sasch and Classic Jewellers with the brand Miluna. Classic jewellers will also be giving a lucky pearl pendant to each contestant while Eurotours will be giving them a flight ticket to Austria. The girl who will be named Miss Funclub will be travelling to Lyon to model to take part in a swimsuit fashion show. Among other titles to be bestowed on contestants are Miss Aperol, Miss Bel Viso, Miss Bel Fisico, Miss Bei Capelli.

Photos Franco Caruana