The strangest beauty pageants of the last century (16 photos)

The first official beauty contest was held in Belgium in 1888. Its success led to the fact that at the beginning of the 20th century similar events began to be held in other countries.





The first beauty contest in history. Belgium, September 19, 1888

The first winner was 18-year-old Berta Sucare, a Creole from Guadeloupe (second from right).



Competition for the most beautiful legs. USA, 1950

The beautiful legs competition became popular in the early 20th century. For an honest assessment, everything above the knee was hidden. Thus, girls or women of any age could take part in the competition.



"The neatest figure", Margate, England, 1946

The winner of the competition covers her face with a hood so that the judges evaluate only her body.

Very harmonious figure, antique proportions, high waist, impeccable legs... just a Muse.



Miss Sausage Queen or Miss Sausage, 1955

The event was sponsored by the Zion Meat Company during the US Hot Dog Festival.



Participants in the first Miss Universe pageant, 1952

The first Miss Universe pageant was held in Long Beach, California. Thirty participants competed for the crown of the winner, but the most beautiful of all was eighteen-year-old Armi Kuusela from Finland.



Miss Blueberry, 1955

The winner was Ethel Silber from Wildwood, New Jersey. By the way, the berry is useful not only for vision and health, but is also used to make cosmetics.



Queen of the Circus, 1959

In the photo, the winner tames a stuffed tiger.



“Miss Beautiful Monkey” competition, in which all participants performed in monkey masks

A peculiar competition was timed to coincide with the release of the film “Planet of the Apes” in 1972.



"Miss Perfect Posture", 1956

In this competition, judges were judged on inner beauty, or rather on the most equal posture. Each of the girls stands next to their x-ray.



"Pet Festival Queen", 1964

Sunny Austin, 21, won the competition and poses with a lamb and a toucan.



Beauty pageant in Cliftonville, 1936

To ensure the impartiality of the jury, the contestants covered their faces. And judging by the photograph, the bodies of the girls were assessed.



Beauty contest for the most beautiful eyes in Paris, 1930

The girl number 7 won.



"Miss Atomic" or "Miss Atomic Bomb"

The competition was held in the 50s in Las Vegas, where nuclear bomb tests were taking place next door.



Radio Queen 1939

The competition was held by the American radio station Queen.



Model from the first beauty contest in the Soviet Union, 1988

Elena Peredreeva, who took third place. Maria Kalinina took first place. After the victory, she went to live in the USA, where she lives to this day.