Mona Bandov from USA crowned most beautiful Croatian in folk costume outside Croatia

by croatiaweek
July 29, 2023
in Entertainment

(Photo credit: HMI/Croatian Heritage Foundation)

The most beautiful Croatian in folk costume outside of Croatia has been crowned once again.

Mona Bandov from the USA, who proudly donned the traditional Livanjska nošnja, was crowned this year’s winner.

With her mother hailing from Livno and her father from Thailand, Mona’s unique background was a testament to the global nature of the pageant.

The title of first runner-up was awarded to Giulia Verdat from Italy, while the second runner-up position was secured by Malina Nadinić from Argentina. Viviene Lašković from Hungary won the hearts of many as the most photogenic contestant of the evening.

(Photo credit: HMI/Croatian Heritage Foundation)

The beauty of the diverse traditional costumes, along with the captivating young women representing their ancestral roots, shone brightly at the event. It truly emphasised the strength and power of such a project, as expressed by Mijo Marić, the director of the Croatian Heritage Foundation, who spoke on behalf of the organisers.

(Photo credit: HMI/Croatian Heritage Foundation)

This competition has been held for the tenth consecutive year and has generated great interest both outside the homeland and in neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina.

(Photo credit: HMI/Croatian Heritage Foundation)

The pageant is aimed at connecting Croatians from all over the world, as well as preserving and promoting traditional Croatian culture. The rules state that girls need to be between 18 and 32 years of age, of Croatian origin, and must wear the folk costume from the place where they or their ancestors originate from.