GENERAL RULES 
& REGULATIONS

The rules and regulations listed below must always be followed by all contestants, their dancers, and helpers.          
  -       Any violation of these rules by a contestant, dancer, or helper will result in dismissal from the pageant and forfeiture of the entry fee. 

-       Contestants must be at least 18 years old and provide proof of age. They must also reside in Florida. If the contestant does not live in South Florida, they must be willing to travel at their own expense to attend Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida’s Celebrate ORGULLO Festival events. This requirement is at the sole discretion of Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida’s Celebrate ORGULLO Festival. 

-       The use or distribution of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited. 

-       Stealing or borrowing anything that does not belong to you is prohibited. If caught, legal action will be fully pursued by the law. 

-       The use of fire, water, or animals is prohibited during any part of the competition unless specifically approved by Celebrate Orgullo/Unity Coalition or Gilberto Luna, the pageant director. Contestants will be held financially responsible for any damage caused to the venue by their performance. 

-       Contestants may not leave the dressing room or stage area during the pageant.  

 -       The entry fee is $25 if paid before pageant day and $50 if paid on the day of the pageant. The entry fee is nonrefundable. Contestants who pay early will receive certain advantages; this will only apply if all fees are already covered by the contestant dancers and helpers included. 

-       Each contestant is allowed one free helper backstage. Only two helpers will be allowed backstage at a time. Additional helpers will be charged $25 each. 

-       Contestants will only be allowed a maximum of 3 helpers if the number of contestants is less than 5, and only one can stay behind when the contestant is performing on stage.  

-       A $25 fee will be charged for each dancer.  Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida’s Celebrate ORGULLO Festival and Gilberto Luna reserve the right to make decisions on any matter not specifically covered in these rules and regulations.    
-       Judging will be based on a total accumulated point system. In the event of a tie, the Celebrate Orgullo/Unity Coalition will decide which contestant is best suited to represent the organization. 

-       The use of marijuana or any other recreational drugs is prohibited on the host venue property, including parking areas. The host venue is a non-smoking facility. 

-       Any damage caused to the venue or facility by a contestant will be investigated, and repairs will be made at the contestant’s expense. 

-       Contestants who fail to be at an appointed place at the appointed time may be disqualified. Stealing or intentionally damaging another contestant’s property will result in immediate disqualification. 

-       Tardiness may result in the loss of any advantages and, in extreme cases, disqualification. 

-       The popularity vote will add 10 points to the winner of the category, and it will be voted on by the audience. 
-     All contestants must be documented U.S. residents.
-     Contestants are required to submit a short-typed bio for the Q&A portion.