Members of Israel’s Mission to the Ivory Coast congratulated the winner of the 2019 Miss Cote d’Ivoire (Miss Ivory Coast) “Awoulaba” 2019 contest this weekend with a special gift.
The newly-crowned Awoulaba of Cote D’Ivoire was awarded a free visit to the Holy Land, courtesy of the State of Israel, as the Grand Prize in the competition.
The word “Awoulaba” is an Akan term in Cote D’Ivoire for a beauty queen, with curves; in today’s culture, a beautiful woman with a guitar-like form. “Awoulaba” is also “beauty queen” in the Ivorian dialect, Baoule, a reference to generous curves.
Deputy Chief of Mission Nitzan Arny said in a tweet that it “was really an amazing night, with many Ivorian artists.” All women who competed were required to be older than age 35 and with a minimum of one child, he explained.
“Congratulations Miss Cote d’Ivoire #Awoulaba 2019!” Arny wrote. “Celebration of Ivorian tradition & culture. 15 candidates from across the country . . . but only one winner who got the grand prize — a visit to #Israel.”
Throughout the competition the contestants wore traditional clothing from around the country and among their other required activities, danced in a circle to demonstrate their skills in the traditional moves.