Grandmothers Shine at 25th Annual 'Your Highness, Grandmother' Pageant

Brooklyn's Brighton Beach was alight with celebration as the 25th annual "Your Highness, Grandmother" pageant brought together twelve grandmothers from various backgrounds to showcase their talents and community spirit. The event, held at Tatiana Restaurant, featured contestants ranging in age from 47 to 90, all dressed in elaborate attire.

The pageant, founded by Raisa Chernina, who immigrated to the US from Belarus in 1979, aims to honor the matriarchs at the heart of families and communities. "A grandmother is the head of the family," Chernina told The Post. "It was the tradition in former Soviet Russia and Jewish tradition. If it’s good in the family, it’s good in the country."

Contestants competed for two titles: "Your Highness, Grandmother" for those under 80, and "Your Highness, Queen Grandmother" for those 80 and older. The event, a fundraiser for Chernina's nonprofit Be Proud, which supports New York City's Russian-speaking community, included three rounds: a "Secret" round testing their knowledge, a "Homework" portion themed "We're 25!" (referencing the pageant's anniversary), and a "Talent" round.

Awards were presented for categories such as Most Creative, Best Talent, Most Inspiring, Best Appearance, and People's Choice. This year's top honors went to Nelli Ivankova, 75, who was crowned "Your Highness, Grandmother," and Busya Soltsov, 89, who took home the title of "Your Highness, Queen Grandmother."

Ivankova, who has sung her entire life, impressed the audience with a Russian pop hit and a rendition of "Bei Mir, Bist Du Schon." Soltsov, a retired engineer, performed a sung Russian skit, expressing that when she dances, she forgets her age and simply feels the music. "The movement comes from inside," Soltsov said. "For me, it’s important for people to enjoy."

All twelve contestants received a crown, a "25 & Fabulous" sash, a bouquet of flowers, and a gift bag, thanks to the event's sponsors. The participants, who hail from diverse international backgrounds including Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Cuba, demonstrated a wide range of talents. Galina Baturina, 85, performed ABBA's "Money, Money, Money" while scattering fake bills, and Diana Margarita Rojas, 72, presented a ballet performance. Anna Malkina-Shumayeva, 89, marked her 22nd year participating with a performance of "Que Sera, Sera."

The event, typically hosted by Chernina's husband, Alex Sirotin-Lakhman, has become a significant tradition for Brighton Beach's Russian-speaking community and beyond. Juror Alec Teytel noted the contestants' ability to set aside personal difficulties to share their energy and enthusiasm. "They leave all their problems, health issues, worries at home," Teytel said. "They come once a year and stream their energy and enthusiasm to everyone in attendance."

Chernina was inspired to create the pageant after watching the Miss Universe pageant with her mother, who suggested a similar event for grandmothers, minus the swimsuit competition. "These grandmothers are artists, they’re actors, and they love applause," Chernina said. "They love attention, especially from their own family and grandchildren…These women need respect. Grandmothers very much need respect and applause."