Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - After much anticipation, the prettiest girls in Mexico have arrived in Puerto Vallarta for the 18th annual Miss Mexico pageant finals. The contest's previous three winners have all been from the state of Jalisco, leaving no choice but to select Puerto Vallarta, with its brand new convention center, to host the 2011 event.

Thirty four young ladies took the stage during Thursday night's semi-finals to compete for the pageant's final fifteen spots. The opening round electrified the crowd as each contestant paraded the stage in an extravagant costume creatively designed to showcase the culture of her home state. As each contestant made her way to the main stage, a section of the crowd would erupt with cheers, noise makers, and chants from her home town, reminding us that fans, friends, and families had travelled hundreds of miles to witness the competition.

The excitement continued to build into the second (and most anticipated) round - the swimsuit competition. One after another, the young beauties strutted their stuff in front of a discerning panel of judges, which included one of Mexico's most famous soap-opera stars. Seated just behind the judges were KarÃn Ontiveros, the winner of last year's Miss Mexico pageant as well as Miss Ximena Navarrete Rosete herself, 2009's winner who went on to become Miss Universe.

The third and final round took an elegant tone as the contestants showcased their finest formal wear. That's not to say the round was without excitement, however, as one pageant member got caught up in her dress and tumbled offstage. Tragic mistakes like a fall usually cause for automatic elimination, yet the judges will by no means have an easy time cutting the field to fifteen as the rest of the young ladies were virtually flawless.

The event, as a whole, went off without a hitch and spectators were more than pleased with the show that was put on. The finals, which will take place in the convention center tonight at 7:30, will undoubtedly be even more exciting as Televisa will be broadcasting the event live, nationwide. We'll be there to witness the crowning of this year's Miss Mexico, so be sure to check back with us for more coverage.