DORAL, Fla. — Fabiana Petruzzi is the new Miss Carnaval Miami 2026.
“I’m so excited. I’m grateful. Thankful for the opportunity,” said Petruzzi. “I’m so excited because God gave me the strength.”
Petruzzi was selected from a field of 15 contestants during the annual pageant, one of the signature events tied to Carnaval Miami.
Local 10’s Christian De La Rosa was one of the judges in the competition.
“This was so hard because they were, number one, so prepared, and number two, they really came to us with heart and soul,” De La Rosa said. “The Kiwanis do so much for this community, and they are a part of it.”
The pageant is organized by the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana, which uses Carnaval Miami events to fund programs for children across South Florida.
Thomas Falcon, president of the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana, talked about the organization.
“We begin in the summer with 160 kids,” he said. “We have a summer camp for the kids that basically funds excursions and food. As we move forward, we do back to school backpack drive with 10,000 school supplies and backpacks.”
Petruzzi said she hopes to build on those efforts during her yearlong reign.
“With my career, which is finance, to be able to help them -- make them feel confident -- this is my main goal for this year,” she said.
Carnaval Miami events continue across South Florida through April. The Golf Classic is scheduled for Monday.
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