Salvador Shelter Holds "Belavó" and "Gato Grisalho" Beauty Pageant for Seniors

An elderly care home in Salvador, Brazil, hosted a beauty pageant for its residents on Thursday, November 23rd. The event, organized by the Abrigo do Salvador in the Brotas neighborhood, has been held annually since 2007. This year's competition awarded titles such as "Belavó" (beautiful grandmother), "Gato Grisalho" (distinguished gentleman), "Vovó Elegância" (grandmother elegance), and "Vovó e Vovô Carisma" (charismatic grandmother and grandfather). The pageant originated as a way to select a representative for the traditional "Vovó Simpatia" (most charming grandmother) contest organized by the State University of Bahia (Uneb), and the winner would also compete in the Miss Bahia Terceira Idade (Miss Bahia Senior) pageant. Maria Conceição da Silva, 76, who received the "Miss Simpatia" title for 2026, shared that the shelter has allowed her to explore new hobbies and activities, like applying eyelashes for the first time, and she now feels a sense of elegance. Doriléa de Oliveira Santos Gonçalves was crowned "Belavó." Participants walked a red carpet before an audience of fellow residents, receiving sashes, crowns, and certificates. Clóvis Ribeiro Almeida, who won the "Gato Grisalho" title for the second consecutive year, attributed his win to his charm and the jury's sympathy. Gonçalves, the "Belavó" winner, advised that beauty in old age comes from a lighthearted approach to life, avoiding excessive stress, eating well, and smiling often.