(Photo: Miss Universe Croatia)
Preparations are underway for the 30th edition of Miss Universe Croatia, with 15 finalists gathering in Zagreb ahead of the grand final set for 25 May 2026.
The jubilee event will take place in the Emerald Hall of the Hotel Esplanade Zagreb, with a live stream available via Jutarnji.hr. A recorded broadcast will follow on CMC televizija in the days after the event.
Pageant director Marija Kraljević highlighted the significance of the anniversary, noting that the competition has been held continuously for 30 years without interruption, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The finalists began their journey in Zagreb, where they stayed at the Esplanade and took part in promotional filming, fittings for evening and cocktail dresses by Bariba, and swimwear by Pletix.
Their schedule also included visits to Svjetlost Clinic and the Zagreb School of Economics and Management, where they were introduced to academic opportunities. Transport was provided by Nova rent-a-car and Samoborček.
(Photo: Miss Universe Croatia)
The preparations have now moved to the island of Pag, where contestants are staying at Hotel Olea. Activities include a visit to the famous Lun Olive Groves, official photoshoots with photographer Emanuel Manchy, video production, and choreography rehearsals.
Professional styling and make-up are being handled by Beauty Studio MZ led by Maja Zatezalo and the Schwarzkopf Professional master salon Frizerski studio Maja. Preparations are being documented by Boris Šeper.
Licence holder Vladimir Kraljević emphasised the importance of showcasing Croatia beyond traditional tourism, highlighting Pag as a destination offering more than sun and sea. Dermatology expert Dr. Vivian Jurković will again provide skincare advice to contestants.
(Photo: Miss Universe Croatia)
Current titleholder Laura Gnjatović joined the finalists, encouraging them to make the most of the experience and perform to the best of their abilities. She will crown her successor at the final event.
The winner will represent Croatia at the global Miss Universe 2026 competition, scheduled to take place in Puerto Rico this November.
In addition to the crown by Zlatarna Dodić, the winner will receive a scholarship from the Zagreb School of Economics and Management worth up to €20,000 for undergraduate or MBA studies.
(Photo: Miss Universe Croatia)
The 15 finalists
• Zara Bačić (18, Viškovo)
• Vaska Bošnjak (19, Markušica)
• Nadja Dumnica (18, Gradište)
• Magdalena Fofić (22, Sesvete)
• Magdalena Kovačić (26, Karlovac)
• Marinela Kozina (18, Komletinci)
• Antea Mršić (24, Zagreb)
• Nora Piasevoli (20, Zagreb)
• Sara Sičanica (18, Vinkovci)
• Zara Stanišić (20, Petrčane)
• Beata Šimat (20, Murter)
• Timea Širić (21, Ivankovo)
• Monika Vojvodić (25, Zadar)
• Klara Vragolović (19, Strizivojna)
• Laura Vujica (20, Zadar)
(Photo: Miss Universe Croatia)