Must

Talk about stepping it up! Miss Guatemala Ivana Batchelor posed inside a cage-like structure based off the pyramid Tikal (also know as the Temple of the Jaguar). She later stepped out in an ornamented bodysuit with a jaguar motif on the back.

Behind the velvet skirt and lion head mask, Miss Paraguay Lia Aymara Duarte donned a bejeweled two-piece set. The costume was inspired by the Paraguay flag.

Miss Bahamas Angel J. Cartwright sparkled in a turquoise jumpsuit and feathers as her costume embodied the celebratory night the Bahamas gained independence.

Miss El Salvador Alexjandra Guajardo Sada took the stage as a human-sized coin, representing the past and future of her country's currency system, from the cólon to Bitcoin.

Miss Cameroon Mouketey Lynette Monalisa Jelly wore her country's colors — red, yellow, and green — and translated its agricultural history through her look.

Togetherness was the theme of Miss Laos Payengxa Lor's patchwork costume, which unified tribal fabrics with the Laos flag embroidery.

Not only did Miss USA R'bonney Gabriel bare the country's stars and stripes, she also donned an out-of-this-world replica of the moon inspired by America's space missions.

Miss Trinidad and Tobago Tya Jane Ramey wore a towering gold puppet costume celebrating the islands' Carnival festival. Ramey teased on Instagram that there's still more to come in light of tomorrow's finale, writing, "We're not done yet."

Miss Germany Soraya Kohlmann paid tribute to the late fashion legend Karl Lagerfeld, wearing a sparkly blazer and white-collared bodysuit. She also paid homage to the designer's beloved feline, Choupette, with a white cat stuffed animal.

As her home country continues to "fight for its freedom," Miss Ukraine Viktoriia Apanasenko told Insider that she transformed into a "warrior" modeled after Archangela Michaelo, who is powered by the people's strength.

In honor of the late Queen Elizabeth, who died in September, Miss Great Britain Noky Simbani wore a jewel-covered ball gown, green velvet robe and crown.

Miss Seychelles Gabriella Gonthier spread her wings in an outfit resembling the Seychelles' payanke bird and the country's work in wildlife protection.

Also taking flight on-stage was Miss Colombia Maria Fernanda Aristizabal, who donned a fiery-colored Phoenix costume embellished with 1,100 Swarovski crystals, as noted by the organization.

Miss Japan Marybelen Sakamoto's costume — a white gown trimmed with gold fabric and topped with an origami headpiece — was a soaring success.

Clad in colorful armor, Miss Panama Solaris Barba's look was an ode to Indigenous body art.

The 71st Miss Universe Competition National Costume Show was held at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans on Jan. 11. Here are some can't-miss stage outfits from the contestants showing their patriotic sides and honoring their home countries. This year's Miss Universe will be crowned on Jan. 14.