Miss World 1996

Irene Skliva
GREECE

Greece's Irene Skilva was crowned Miss World 1996 Saturday in an elaborate ceremony that contrasted sharply with the scene outside the stadium, where anti-pageant protesters pelted police with rocks and militant women threatened to set themselves on fire. One man actually commited suicide. Skilva, an 18-year-old model, received the silver tiara from 1995 winner Jacqueline Aguilera Marcano of Venezuela at the conclusion of a two-hour show that was broadcast to millions around the world. Miss Colombia, Carolina Arango, was the first runner-up, while Miss Brazil Anuska Prado placed third. About 88 contestants participated in the event. Earlier Saturday, about 1,000 demonstrators shouted "Go home, Miss World!" and tried to block roads leading to the Bangalore cricket stadium where the pageant took place. Police swung bamboo canes, fired rubber bullets and launched tear gas at the protesters. The protesters said the pageant treats women as objects and benefits only plastic surgeons and cosmetics manufacturers. Organizers contend it will help boost tourism and encourage international investment in India. The pageant itself was grandious and thanks to all the headlines it gained around the world due to protests, the TV audience was one of the highest ever- 2.2 billion viewers.