Venezuelan Stefania Fernandez won the 2009 Miss Universe pageant in the Bahamas on Sunday night.

Dressed in a flowing red gown, Fernandez embraced runner up Miss Dominican Republic as the announcement was made, and received the crown from last year’s winner, Dayana Mendoza, of Venezuela. The sparkling tiara fell to the floor at one point, as Fernandez danced in joy.

Venezuela, a beauty-obsessed South American country, has won the Miss Universe pageant six times.

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Tags: 2009 Miss Universe, 2009 Miss Universe pageant, crowned Miss Universe 2009, Dayana Mendoza, Droga Ganusha, iss Australia, Mayra Matos Perez, Miss Dominican Republic, Miss Kosovo, Miss Puerto Rico, Rachael Finch, Venezuela winners, Venezuelan Stefania Fernandez