Miss Cicciona 2010: The Miss Chubby Italy beauty contest
Italy has chosen a full-figured woman as a new beauty queen, proud of her body weighing in at 170 kilograms (375 pounds). Angela Scognamiglio said she was "very moved" when she was named as the new "Miss Chubby" at the beauty contest held in the village of Forcoli, near Pisa. "I am very moved, I feel as if I've won the lottery," the 33-year-old from Naples said after beating 30 other contestants for the title
As in all past 20 editions of the pageant, there is only one condition for entry: you have to weigh more than 100 kilograms, or 15 and a half stone
Contestants paraded before an audience of 2,500 at a local hotel, wearing gowns, or for those who cared to show more, undergarments. Some even dared a little glamour striptease
No big prize for the winner, just a huge cake to share around, and perhaps for all the contestants a boost in self-esteem in contrast to the mockery many obese face. "When we get on a bus, people nudge each other, and whisper, making fun of us, and it's the same on the beach," said redheaded Marilena Amato. "We are the victims of severe discrimination, it's as if we are second class citizens," said another contestant, Antonia Bartolo, a 37-year-old nurse from the Milan region.
The contest's founder, Gianfranco Lazzereschi, says the event showcases other types of beauty in women: "Why is it necessary to follow the dictates of what's beautiful?"
A contestant shows off her long beautiful red gown
This contestant adds a little humour
contest make-up application
The participants pose for the camera, while doing some friendly gestures
Miss Philippines Karla Henry reacts after she won the Miss Earth 2008 beauty pageant in Angeles City of Pampanga, north of Manila, the Philippines, November 9, 2008. Eight-five beauties from all over the world attended the contest and Miss Philippines Karla Henry won the title of Miss Earth. (Xinhua/Liu Hua)
Miss Philippines Karla Henry and Miss Earth
(from L to R) Miss Brazil Tatiane Kelen Alves, Miss Mexico Abigail Elizalde Romo, Miss Philippines Karla Henry, and Miss Tanzania Miriam Odemba, pose for a photo during the Miss Earth 2008 beauty pageant in Angeles City of Pampanga, north of Manila, Philippines, November 9, 2008. Eight-five beauties from all over the world attended the contest and Miss Philippines Karla Paula Henry won the title of Miss Earth. (Xinhua/Liu Hua)
Miss China Zhou Yingkun and Miss Macao Qian Wei Na attend the Miss Earth 2008 beauty pageant in Angeles City of Pampanga, north of Manila, Philippines, November 9, 2008. Eight-five beauties from all over the world attended the contest and Miss Philippines Karla Paula Henry won the title of Miss Earth. (Xinhua/Liu Hua)
Miss Philippines Karla Henry (C), 22, waves to her supporters after winning the Miss Earth 2008 beauty pageant at the Expo amphitheatre in Clark air base in Pampanga, north of Manila November 9, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Miss Philippines Karla Henry (2nd R), 22, poses for photographers after winning the Miss Earth 2008 beauty pageant at the Expo amphitheatre in Clark air base in Pampanga, north of Manila November 9, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Miss Philippines Karla Henry (C), 22, is congratulated by other beauty contestants after winning the Miss Earth 2008 beauty pageant at the Expo amphitheatre in Clark air base in Pampanga, north of Manila November 9, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters
Miss Philippines Karla Henry (C), 22, reacts after winning the Miss Earth 2008 beauty pageant at the Expo amphitheatre in Clark air base in Pampanga, north of Manila November 9, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Chinese movie star Gong Li smiles during a news conference about her movie "Shanghai" in Bangkok August 2, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters File Photo)
