Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News

Picture Credit: CEN

This curvy brunette will become the first plus-size model to participate in a much-loved South American beauty pageant.

According to local media, 24-year-old Maria Jose Fiallos will be the first ever model to take part in the ‘Reina de Ambato’ (‘Ambato Queen’) contest, part of the much-loved Festival of Fruits and Flowers in the central Ecuadorian city of Ambato.

The plus-size model, who says she is also an actress on her Instagram profile, studied Tourism and Hospitality Management after leaving school.

The curvy Ecuadorian said that she is very proud to take part in the pageant and become the first XL model to do so.

Fiallos announced that she has “been getting ready” for this opportunity since she was 19 years old and first modelled for the Plus Trends Company.

She told local media: “I feel that the city’s beauty queen should represent the hearts and minds of Ambato residents and have more about them than just their physical appearance and social status.”

Fiallos believes that beauty pageants have become stereotyped and only showcase physically-perfect women while losing the essence of what real female beauty is about.

She said that the pageant represents inclusion and is open to anyone, adding that indigenous contestants have taken part in the past which is why she is proud to be involved.