Season 59
The Miss World pageant is the oldest surviving major international beauty pageant run by the Miss World Organisation in which women from around the world compete to win the title of Miss World, which they hold for a year until the following pageant.
The telecast of the final competition is the world's largest live annual beauty pageant television event with global viewers in more than 200 countries.
The winner spends a year travelling to represent the Miss World Organisation and its various causes. Traditionally, Miss World lives in London during her reign.
Miss World 2009, the 59th Miss World Final, was held at Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg, South Africa on Saturday 12 December, 2009.
It was broadcast live in South Africa on SABC3, from 17h00-1900 (CAT).
Miss World 2009
Miss World 2009, the 59th Miss World pageant, was held on 12 December, 2009 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.
112 contestants from all over the world competed for the crown, marking the biggest turnout in the pageant's history. For the first time since 2003, 20 semifinalists were chosen for this year.
Miss World 2008, Ksenia Sukhinova of Russia, crowned her successor - Kaiane Aldorino of Gibraltar - at the end of the event.
Audiences across the world watched the world's most beautiful women showcasing the many facets of the city of Johannesburg – which will also play host to the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
In the run-up to the live final show on 12 December, the contestants also participated and competed in a number of mini-festivals.
These included the Miss World Beach Beauty contest, during which the beauties strut their stuff in beach attire; and the Miss World Talent Show, when they demonstrate their individual talents and abilities.
South African designers displayed their creations on an international platform during the Miss World Fashion.
The popular Miss World Sportswoman event, hosted by the Eastern Cape Tourism Board, saw the ladies taking part in a series of challenges that tested their sportsmanship and agility.
As World Cup fever mounts, the contestants were steeped in the Beautiful Game during the month prior to the finale. They were on hand to participate in the excitement when the World Cup draw took place in Cape Town on 4 December, 2009.
They also experienced the distinctive sights and sounds of Joburg, from the vibe of Soweto to the buzz of the city, from conservation projects to charity initiatives, and will be accommodated at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Rosebank.
Charity is a major component of Miss World, with its "Beauty for a Purpose" theme finding resonance in the many international causes for which it raises funds. In Africa, Miss World has donated millions of rand to charities such as Operation Hunger and the Nelson Mandela Trust.
Snaparazzi Gallery