This coming Sunday, May 17, 2026, marks exactly 30 years since MISS ARUBA 1995, TARYN MANSELL, made history by becoming the first runner-up at MISS UNIVERSE 1996 in Las Vegas. This remains Aruba’s highest and most successful achievement in the history of the Miss Universe pageant.
A Historic Top 3
Alongside Miss Venezuela and Miss Finland, ARUBA advanced to the final top 3 contestants, leaving heavy favorites like Miss Mexico, Miss Russia, and Miss USA outside of the grand finale.
The Winner: Taryn Mansell competed against a total of 78 contestants from around the world. Miss Venezuela, Alicia Machado, was ultimately crowned Miss Universe 1996.
The Era: At that time, the Miss Universe organization was under the ownership and direction of Donald Trump.
Island-Wide Celebration and Regional Support
Upon her return, Taryn received a massive, royal welcome. The entire island of Aruba united, taking to the streets to applaud and celebrate the queen who had written a historic chapter for her country.
The pride was felt across the ABC islands. From Curaçao, Anne Marie Braafheid—who herself made history as the First Runner-Up of Miss Universe 1968 for Curaçao—declared that during every single minute of that magical night, both she and the people of Curaçao were wholeheartedly rooting for Aruba to achieve this milestone.
