Miss Universe contestants show off their vibrant and outlandish costumes as they kick off the competition

The Miss Universe pageant is back for 2024 and the costumes are as dazzling and outlandish as ever. 

On Thursday night in Mexico City, the glamorous contestants put on an extravagant display at the 73rd Miss Universe preliminary and national costume competition, showcasing sparkling outfits that represent what they love about their homelands. 

127 pageant queens took to the stage in glitzy ensembles including British contestant Christina Dela Cruz, who dressed up as an oak tree, and Japan's Kaya Chakrabortty who wore a bedazzled kimono and roller skates. 

The stunning women put their best foot forward in a bid to make it into the top 30, which will be announced at Saturday night's Miss Universe final before the winner is crowned.

This is a record-breaking year for the competition as it is the first year 30 contestants will go through to the final, up from 20 in previous years.

Even though the grand final is the competition's main event, the national costume round at the preliminary is a fan favourite and this year's queens did not disappoint.

Nature and botanicals were the inspiration for many of the costumes, including Miss Guatemala, Ana Gabriela Villanueva's beaded leaf display and Miss Belarus Eleonora Kachalovskaya in a fantastical floral garb. 

Miss Argentina, Magalí Benejam, sported a sparkling toucan atop her head in a rainforest-themed display, with blue feathers cascading down from her arms to represent a waterfall. 

Similarly, Miss Guatemala, Ana Gabriela Villanueva, had palm and fern leaves exploding from her silhouette as she wore a sequined one-piece which paid homage to her country's indigenous women and children. 

Miss Great Britain dressed up in a leaf-adorned jumpsuit with a huge gold crown to represent the UK's 121 million oak trees. 

Miss Ecuador, Tema Mara's larger-than-life costume featured a model of her homeland's capital, Quito's historic churches balanced across her shoulders. 

Tatiana Calmell of Peru looked like a golden goddess, not letting her Miss Universe sash get in the way of her luminous costume. 

Miss Netherlands, Faith Landman, stunned onlookers as her blue-and-white gown transformed to look like an enormous piece of pottery, as a nod to the traditional Dutch craft. 

Taking a unique approach, Miss Chile, Emilia Dides, represented one of her country's favourite game shows Sábado Gigante by wearing the program's roulette wheel. 

Miss Trinidad and Tobago, Jenelle Thongs, went for a feathered carnival look and was given the Miss Congeniality award for the contestant who has the most friendly, approachable and kind personality. 

Miss Cuba, Marianela Ancheta, took inspiration from the Cuban goddess Oshún, associated with love, fertility, and purity. 

Miss Bolivia, Juliana Barrientos, adorned a stunning skirt and headdress in the shape of an owl and Miss Jamaica, Rachel Silvera, adorned a magnificent ruffled dress paying homage to the flag of her home nation.

Switzerland's Laura Bircher channelled a look reminiscent of Disney's Frozen as she adorned a sparkling corset with a ruffled skirt and gem-encrusted sleeves. 

Melloney Dassanayake representing Sri Lanka wore a stunning feature engraved with traditional markings and Miss France, Indira Ampiot, donned a diamante corset and a full silk skirt in the colours of the flag. 

Miss Dominican Republic, Celinee Santos, who is among one of the favourites to win the competition, wowed the crowd in a pearly sea-shell style getup. 

One of the more outlandish costumes of the night was worn by Miss Czech Republic, Marie Danci, who wore a fabulously outrageous gown inspired by the tradition of gingerbread making. 

Ashley Callingbull is the first Indigenous woman to be crowned Miss Universe Canada and proudly wore a spectacular multi-colour full gown as a tribute to her heritage. 

Looking every bit the fairy princess, Jennifer Colón Alvarado represented Puerto Rico in an enchanting white gown with her home country's flag. 

Appearing predictably patriotic to an over-the-top degree, Miss USA, Alma Cooper, dressed up as American figure Uncle Sam with a Fourth-of-July-style firework display.

Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, was a Viking goddess: 'This costume tells the story of those remarkable figures - women who navigated the seas, led their clans, and celebrated the beauty of life through their courage' she said on Instagram. 

After the national costume round, the ladies stripped off their lavish costumes to walk the runway in co-ordinated swimwear outfits. 

On Saturday, 30 finalists will be announced including one fan-voted favourite who will then take to the stage for the swimsuit round. 

From there, the 30 finalists will be whittled down to just 12 pageant queens and they will compete in the evening gown and question-and-answer rounds. 

This year's judges include social media star Lele Pons, 1978 Miss Universe Margaret Gardiner, Colombian singer Fariana Telemundo, host Jéssica Carrillo, music producer Emilio Estefan, Brazilian artist Romero Britto, fashion icon Eva Cavalli, and designer Michael Cinco. 

Host and former Miss Universe winner Olivia Cuplo will end the night by announcing who will be crowned this year's winner by reigning 2023 winner Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.

The 2024 crown, named 'Lumiere De L'Infini', has been described by president and founder of Miss Universe Raul Rocha as 'the most beautiful in the history of Miss Universe'. 

Designed and handmade by Filipino jeweller, Jewelmer, it features 23 rare golden pearls, the national gem of the Philippines. 

Belarus, Eritrea, Guinea, and the United Arab Emirates are being represented at the Miss Universe event for the first time this year.

Seven nations have made their return to the competition including Cuba who was last represented in 1967 and Fiji in 1981. 

Panama contestant, Italy Mora, was unfortunately disqualified just days ago after she allegedly broke the pageant's strict rules by leaving her hotel to visit her boyfriend without permission.