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Marc Anthony, 53, passionately kisses new fiancee Nadia Ferreira as she celebrates her 23rd birthday onboard luxury yacht off the coast of Miami in cheeky bikini

By Christine Rendon For Dailymail.com

Published: 18:36 EDT, 16 May 2022 | Updated: 18:50 EDT, 16 May 2022

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They announced their engagement last week.

And Marc Anthony, 53, and his new fiancee Nadia Ferreira could hardly keep their hands off each other as they celebrated her 23rd birthday with a luxurious day at sea.

The couple were spotted locking lips on board a lavish yacht off the coast of Miami on Saturday.

All aboard the love boat! Marc Anthony, 53, and his new fiancee Nadia Ferreira could hardly keep their hands off each other as they celebrated her 23rd birthday with a luxurious day at sea

Nadia tenderly cupped her love's head as she pressed her lips against his, not seeming to care they were surrounded by friends and family.

The couple sat at a table where bottles of Bud Light were strewn about, and several packs of cigarettes.

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They also noshed on slices of decadent chocolate cake.

Marc couldn't have looked any happier spending some fun in the sun with his lady love, a former Miss Universe contestant from Paraguay.

Kicking back! The hit-maker went shirtless as he lounged about with his lady love by his side 

Kiss me! Nadia tenderly cupped her future husband's head as they shared a smooch at sea

Cheeky! Nadia put her perky behind on display in a brown bikini 

Nadia, who turned 23 on May 10, looked stunning in a fashionable dress with her brunette hair cascading down.

Marc, on the other hand, ditched the shirt for most of the outing.

When Marc wasn't kissing his future bride, the Tu Amor Me Hace Bien singer puffed on a cigarette and sipped from his beer.

The couple kept the good times going as they took their gathering to the water.

Soaking up the sun! Anthony showcased his chest as he basked in the sunshine 

Public displays of affection! The couple tuned out the others around them in the midst of their kiss 

Making a splash! As Marc kicked back on the inflatable lounge space, his fiancee made her way towards the others in her brown bikini 

Let the good times roll! The couple sat at a table where beer and boxes of cigarettes were strewn about 

Now clad in an unbuttoned white shirt, Marc basked in the sun as they prepared an inflatable lounge space on the edge of the boat.

The Vivir Mi Vida singer kicked back on the raft with his pals as Nadia joined the fun in her brown bikini.

The couple have a lot to celebrate lately following their recent engagement.

Nadia announced the engagement news via her Instagram on Thursday afternoon with a snap of her beautiful diamond ring which has a large emerald-shaped stone in the middle with two smaller stones at the sides.

Party time: Anthony smoked on a cigarette and drank from his beer 

The sweet life! Marc and his pals noshed on slices of decadent chocolate cake 

The caption written on the photo read, 'Engagement Partyyyyy!!! [diamond ring emoji] @marcanthony.'

Ferreira was crowned Miss Paraguay last year and finished as first Runner-Up in the Miss Universe Pageant, finishing behind India's Harnaaz Sandhu.

While it is unknown exactly how long the two love birds have been seeing one another, they officially confirmed their relationship back in March.

Anthony has had many romantic relationships.

Fun in the sun! A bikini-clad Nadia treaded on the floatation device 

Put your hands in the air like you just don't care! Ferreira raised her arms high into the air as she balanced atop the flotation device 

His ex girlfriend from the early 1990s is Debbie Rosado with whom he has daughter Ariana Anthony, 28. It also also believed he and Debbie adopted son Chase too.

His first marriage was to Miss Universe 1993 Dayanara Delgado in 2000.

They split in 2002 then got back together and renewed their vows that same year before they separated in 2003 and finalized their divorce in 2004.

Together they share two children: 21-year-old Cristian and 18-year-old Ryan. 

Boat loads of fun! Anthony stood at the edge of the boat as Nadia hung out with her pals 

Pageant queen! Ferreira was crowned Miss Paraguay last year and finished as first Runner-Up in the Miss Universe Pageant, finishing behind India's Harnaaz Sandhu

He then moved on to longtime friend Jennifer Lopez, 52, whom he wed in 2004 after she ended her engagement to Gigli co-star Ben Affleck.

The two had a very private wedding and together share twins Max and Emme Munoz who are now 14.

They made music together such as the hit duet No Me Ames, and also co-starred in the movie El Cantante in 2006 where he played salsa icon Hector Lavoe and she starred as his hot-blooded wife Puchi.

She said yes! Nadia announced the engagement news via her Instagram on Thursday afternoon with a snap of her beautiful diamond ring which has a large emerald-shaped stone in the middle with two smaller stones at the sides

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His marriage to Jennifer was up and down for years as there were constant claims of fighting and infidelity that made headline news.

After she was seen with her wedding ring off, they split in 2011 and divorced in 2014.

The two have remained friends since the divorce and even performed together on stage. They were also working together on a Spanish language album.

Next he wed Venezuelan actress Shannon De Lima in 2014; they divorced in 2017.

Anthony's engagement news came just weeks after J.LO and her new, old flame Ben Affleck announced they were tying the knot.

So fly! Nadia kicked off her birthday week with this luxurious snap of her and Marc on a private jet 

Share or comment on this article: Marc Anthony, 53, kisses Nadia Ferreira as they celebrate her 23rd birthday onboard luxury yacht

He is just gross. Needs to grow up.

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Marc Anthony, 53, Kisses Fiancee Nadia Ferreira, 23, On A Yacht After Getting Engaged: Photo

Marc Anthony and his fiancee Nadia Ferreira couldn't keep their hands off each other while celebrating her 23rd birthday on a yacht in Miami!

Marc Anthony , 53, and his much younger fiancee Nadia Ferreira sent the already-sizzling temperature in Florida soaring on Saturday, May 14, while celebrating the former Miss Universe’s  23rd birthday aboard a yacht off the coast of Miami! Just one week after Nadia announced on her Instagram that Marc had proposed after dating him for three months, HollywoodLife obtained a photo of the newly engaged lovers locking lips while surrounded by friends and family.

In the photo, Nadia and Marc were passionately kissing while seated in front of a table on the yacht that was scattered with beer bottles and cigarettes. Nadia, who was wearing a pair of rose-colored sunglasses, had both of her hands affectionately wrapped around the back of Marc’s head as she pressed her face against his. In other photos published online from their seven seas celebration, Nadia was also seen sporting a tiny black bikini.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nadia Ferreira (@nadiatferreira)

The Spanish music superstar and father of six children — Ariana , 28, Chase , 26, Cristian , 21, and Ryan , 18, as well as 14-year-old twins Emme and Max , whom he shares with one of his several ex-wives, Jennifer Lopez , 52, went shirtless for the day, wearing only a pair of tan cargo shorts that was held up by a black belt. As he kissed and embraced Nadia, his heavily tatted and super tan back was facing the camera. In several of the other photos, Marc was seen throwing back bottles of Bud Light beer while smoking cigarettes. 

As HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY reported , Jennifer, who recently got engaged to Ben Affleck , 49, in April 2022, was supportive of Marc’s subsequent engagement. According to a source, JLo and Marc are both happy that the other has moved on and is getting remarried.  “Marc was nothing but happy for Jen when he found out about her engagement to Ben,” the source told us, adding that the “I’m Real” singer even sent flowers to Marc’s home when she found out the great news.

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Nadia Ferreira Celebrated Marc Anthony's Proposal In Miami, Here's What We Know About Her

The Miss Universe competitor also celebrated her 23rd birthday at Disney.

Nadia Ferreira on a yacht in Miami. Right: Marc Anthony and Nadia Ferreira cuddling up on a plane.

Marc Anthony is engaged, again! This time, it's to model Nadia Ferreira, and they celebrated in South and Central Florida.

Although Jennifer Lopez's ex-husband has been secretive about the new engagement, Ferreira posted on her story with a caption that read: "Engagement partyyyyy!!!"

She showed off her flashy new rock with Anthony's left hand that has a tattoo on his ring finger from his previous marriage.

They were spotted celebrating at the new and famous Miami restaurant, Sexy Fish, according to Page Six .

The artist, 53, swept his fiancée away on a private jet to Walt Disney World in Orlando to celebrate her 23rd birthday, where you can see the ring on her left hand in the photo.

See on Instagram

The now fiancée is from Paraguay and started her career in the TV industry at 15 years old. She broke into the fashion industry and has worked as a model in seven countries in the past three years.

Ferreira began competing in beauty pageants, winning titles like Miss Teen Universe Paraguay in 2015, and Miss Universe Paraguay in 2021.

She was the runner-up to Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu, who represented India and was crowned Miss Universe.

The competitor is also the CEO of her own company, NF, which stands for Nadia Ferreira, and helps women seeking sustainable development, including those who are victims of domestic violence.

Even though Ferreira and her husband-to-be enjoyed each other's company — and, of course, champagne and cake — this weekend, they have not released a date for their wedding.

• A TikToker Called Miami’s Sexy Fish ‘Racist’ & Claimed She Wasn’t Let In Due To Her Outfit - Narcity ›
• Marc Anthony And Nadia Ferreira Had A Low-Key Wedding In Miami & Everything We Know (PHOTOS) - Narcity ›

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Celebrity News June 19, 2023

Marc anthony & wife nadia ferreira welcome first baby together.

Father’s Day was extra-special for Marc Anthony this year!

The singer, 54, welcomed his seventh child on Sunday, June 18, his first with wife Nadia Ferreira.

The happy news was announced in a joint Instagram post.

"God's timing is always perfect. Happy Father’s Day ♥️,” Anthony wrote in both English and Spanish alongside a picture of the newborn in his arms.

Nadia, 24, shared photos on Instagram from her baby shower held on a yacht last month. The Paraguayan model and the “I Need to Know” singer confirmed their relationship in March 2022.

Marc Anthony Marries Nadia Ferreira — Inside the Star-Packed Nuptials!

Marc also shares 14-year-old twins Emme and Max with ex-wife Jennifer Lopez; is the father of sons Christian Marcus, 22, and Ryan Adrian, 19, with ex Dayanara Torres; and is the father of Ariana, 28, and Chase, 27, with ex Debbie Rosado.

Jennifer Lopez Calls Ben Affleck a ‘Wonderful Father’

Marc Anthony & Nadia Ferreira Expecting First Child — See Her Baby Bump!

Nadia Ferreira Shows Off Sparkler... and Marc Anthony's J.Lo Tat Cover-Up

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Inside Nadia Ferreira and Marc Anthony’s Star-Studded Miami Wedding

Last weekend, stars descended on Miami for model Nadia Ferreira and singer-songwriter Marc Anthony’s wedding at the Perez Art Museum Miami. The two were first introduced by a mutual friend at a Maestro Cares Foundation event before becoming engaged in 2022—and after a whirlwind eight months of planning, they tied the knot on January 28.

Victoria and David Beckham, Salma Hayek, and Lin-Manuel Miranda were all on hand to celebrate the couple at what many are already calling  “the wedding of the year.” “We had a great team that worked with us in every detail,” the bride and former Miss Universe contestant explains of the planning process. “Marc and I were involved in every aspect,” she adds, noting that the couple worked with NCIB Design to bring their vision to life.

For the wedding day itself, Nadia wore two custom looks. “They were made especially for me by the wonderful Galia Lahav,” she explains. “I loved, loved, loved my dresses. When we had our first meeting, we discussed what I envision for the special day, and they presented me with the most beautiful sketches  that came to life in the most glorious way.” Her dress for the ceremony, the Hunter gown, featured a sheer sweetheart corset bodice and floral embroidery that cascaded down the voluminous embellished silk tulle skirt to a wide horsehair-trim chapel train.

The bridesmaids’ dresses, meanwhile, were designed by the couple’s close friend Victoria Beckham. “Marc, David, and Victoria have been friends for a long time,” Nadia notes. “The dresses were this magnificent shade of navy blue, and she made them with so much love. I am eternally grateful to her.” Marc wore a bespoke suit from Dior Men, while the groomsmen were in navy blue and black tuxedos—all in similar styles, but each with their own personal flair.

At the beginning of the ceremony, the groom’s father Marco Felipe Muñiz walked the bride down the aisle while Marc’s version of Peter Gabriel’s song “The Book of Love” played in the background. Miami mayor Francis Suarez, who is a close friend of Marc’s, officiated the ceremony, while Father Jorge M gave the couple his blessing. “The ceremony was everything I dreamed of and more,” Nadia says. “There was so much love and goodwill in the room.”

The service was followed by a sit-down dinner with a menu that featured Paraguayan dishes in honor of Nadia’s heritage; then, after dinner, the bride changed into a second look by Galia Lahav, called the Jill. Made from woven yarn and silk, along with dazzling iridescent embellished sequins and feathers, the mini was the perfect party gown dress and just right for dancing the night away. First up for the evening’s entertainment was Angelo Pagán and his band, followed by DJ Xtreme and DJ Cassidy—whose playlists included more than a few Marc Anthony hits, no doubt.

My ceremony look, the Hunter gown by Galia Lahav, had a sweetheart corset bodice and floral embroidery cascading down a silk tulle skirt.

I arrived in the early part of the afternoon to start getting ready. 

My wedding shoes.

Ready and so happy to share our special day with our friends and families.

My dress was everything I dreamed of.

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‘cuddling’ marc anthony, nadia ferreira celebrate engagement in miami.

Marc Anthony and Nadia Ferreira celebrated their engagement among friends Thursday night at Richard Caring’s Sexy Fish in Miami, Page Six has exclusively learned.

Anthony, 53, and Ferreira, 23, rolled up to the hotspot with several of the model’s pals and family members in tow with the intention of celebrating her birthday, but the festivities quickly turned into a party for her relationship milestone with the “Need to Know” singer.

“Nadia and Marc looked over-the-moon happy,” a source tells Page Six, adding, “She was beaming ear to ear and was wearing wedding white.”

Ferreira took to her Instagram Story to confirm that they were celebrating their future together, posting a photo of her sparkling engagement ring with the caption, “Engagement Partyyyyy!!!! @marcanthony.”

“[Marc] went outside to smoke a cigarette a few times, and the couple was cuddling during their private moments as she joined him outside,” the source says.

We’re told the group also sang “Happy Birthday” to the Miss Universe Paraguay 2021, who turned 23 on Tuesday, as she was presented with a cake.

The lovebirds partied the night away, having arrived at 9 p.m. and not making their exit until after 1 a.m.

Earlier in the day, they were seen celebrating with champagne on a private jet, where Anthony clapped happily along to music as their friends danced. In another post, the couple enjoyed a day out on a yacht where their group enjoyed caviar and fresh shrimp. Ferreira even took a ride on a Jet Ski.

The engagement news comes just three months after Anthony and Ferreira sparked relationship rumors when they were spotted enjoying a romantic getaway together in Mexico City.

In March, they became Instagram-official, with the salsa artist posting a photo cuddling with his now-fiancée on a private jet and writing, “May God multiply all that you wish us.”

Ferreira had hinted at their engagement earlier this week, posting a photo with Anthony in which she displayed the massive sparkler on her left ring finger.

Anthony has been engaged four times before. He proposed to actress Claudette Lali in the late ’90s and was then married to beauty queen Dayanara Torres, Jennifer Lopez and model Shannon De Lima.

He has six children, sharing Ariana, 28, and Chase, 26, with ex-girlfriend Debbie Rosado as well as Cristian, 21, and Ryan, 18, with Torres, 47. He and J.Lo, 52, share 14-year-old twins Max and Emme.

Lopez also got engaged this year, with on-again beau Ben Affleck popping the question for the second time in April.

Worldys News

Nadia Ferreira, winner of the Universal Virreina, shows her radiant pregnancy on her yacht with close friends

The universal viceroy 2021 nadia ferreira is expecting a baby.

The international portals have reported that the 24-year-old Paraguayan model, Nadia Ferreira, who was crowned as the Universal Viceroy 2021, is due to give birth this June. Despite being in the last days of her pregnancy, Nadia looks stunning and radiant. The model recently shared a postcard on her yacht where she flaunted her perfect figure.

A Glamorous Girls’ Afternoon

Nadia Ferreira was not alone during her girls’ afternoon. She had the company of her mother Ludy Ferreira, Leudy Cuartas, Laura, Gisela Iribas, Sofia Cuartas, and Isabella Calle. Everyone enjoyed being in each other’s company, and their joy was shared on social media by the close friends of the Paraguayan model.

A Beautiful Photo

Nadia Ferreira, during her yacht outing, clicked a photo of herself, which showed the silhouette of her belly. She wore a beautiful long-sleeved pink dress, paired with luxurious sunglasses. After the top was posted online, fans wrote comments such as, “She is incomparable,” “Beautiful and does not lose her figure,” and “You look spectacular Nadia, very beautiful in your sweet wait.”

The Couple’s Journey to Parenthood

In February 2021, Nadia Ferreira and Marc Anthony announced their pregnancy through a post on Instagram. Nadia and Marc got married in January 2021 at the Perez Art Museum in Miami and got engaged in May 2020. On Sunday, Nadia Ferreira dispelled rumors of delivering her baby by sharing her yacht outing photos.

The Joyful Anticipation Continues

In a recent Instagram post, Nadia Ferreira shared a photo of herself with the caption, “Soon, you will be in my arms,” expressing her anticipation for the baby’s arrival. The couple is now waiting for the arrival of their first child amidst tremendous excitement.

Nadia Ferreira’s journey to motherhood has been filled with love, happiness, and glamour. The Paraguayan model’s fans are eagerly waiting to hear the news of the arrival of her baby.

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Marc Anthony and Wife Nadia Ferreira Welcome First Baby Together on Father's Day: 'God's Timing'

Marc Anthony and wife Nadia Ferreira have welcomed their first baby together, the couple confirmed on Instagram Sunday

Instagram/nadiaferreira

Marc Anthony is officially a father of seven!

The "You Sang to Me" singer, 54, welcomed his first baby with wife Nadia Ferreira , the couple confirmed in a joint Instagram post on Sunday.

Alongside a black-and-white photo of the newborn in the singer's arms, he wrote in both English and Spanish, "God's timing is always perfect. Happy Father’s Day ♥️. "

The Paraguayan model, 24, shared photos from her intimate baby shower  with family and friends on a yacht on Instagram last month.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

In several photos, Ferreira appeared to wear a white long-sleeved ruffle dress with a v-neck cut as she posed alongside a display with several orange and white balloons and cute zoo animal cutouts along with the words, "Oh baby."

She also showed a joyful picture alongside her family and friends as they all reached out for her baby bump in joy. In her final shot, she shared a photo with her mom, who wore a pink and white dress, alongside the dessert table.

"Una tarde especial celebrando la llegada de mi baby 🤍 Gracias por tan bella sorpresa 💫 Baby Muñiz Ferreira!!," she captioned the Instagram post in Spanish, which translates to "A special afternoon celebrating the arrival of my baby. Thank you for such a beautiful surprise. Baby Muñiz Ferreira!!"

The "I Need to Know" singer is also dad to 14-year-old twins Max and Emme, whom he shares with ex  Jennifer Lopez . Anthony also shares sons Ryan Adrian, 19, and Cristian Marcus, 22, with ex Dayanara Torres, as well as Chase, 27, and Ariana, 28, with Debbie Rosado.

The global music star and the pageant queen sparked romantic rumors following an outing in Mexico City in 2022.

They  confirmed their relationship via Instagram  with a selfie taken on an airplane in March of that year. "Que Dios les multiplique todo lo que ustedes nos desean," the singer wrote in the post's caption, which roughly translates to, "May God multiply all that you wish us."

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North Ossetia – Birthplace of Mystical Alania

Snow-capped mountains, deep gorges, popular shrines of traditional Ossetian religion, ancient watch tower, Dargvas, the city of dead and the most pleasant capital Vladikavkaz. Yes, rattling off all of North Ossetia’s wonders leaves you breathless, like the natural beauty of this Russian Republic. The place breathes history . Starting with the Alans, ancient warriors of the Caucasus region to World War II, when the Germany attempt to grab the oilfields of the Caucasus region was stopped right there.

Ossetian countryside with an ancient watchtower, so typical for the Caucasus region

Vladikavkaz- Ruler of the Caucasus North Ossetia

It took me a while to pronounce the name of North Ossetia’s lovely capital Vladikavkaz  without difficulty. Only when a local explained its meaning „Ruler of the Caucasus “ , it rolled from my lips like honey . Founded in 1784 as a Russian fortress, it control led the only road linking Russia and Georgia at that time . I am not ashamed to admit that I had not heard of this town before I decided to do this trip. This city is only a two hours flight from Moscow and served as my jumping board for all onward travel.

Approaching Vladikavkaz by plane

The Saint Petersburg of the Cauacus

Vladikavkaz rightly prides itself of this title. T he streets of the Old City are lined with late grand 19th and early 20th century houses built for Russian army officers and merchants. I spent the hot parts of the days in Kosta Khetagurov Park

and strolled the banks of   River Terek in the evening , I visited picturesque churches and the most beautiful Mukhtarov Mosque .

Mukhtarov Mosque on the Banks of the River Terek

It sits right on the river and I first thought it was a church, since I had never before seen a mosque made of brick stones. I was invited inside by the caretaker , only when I saw the carpet after entering, I realized where I was . Arriving so totally unprepared without a headscarf and short sleeves irritated some men and I spent less time there than I would have liked.

Prospekt Mira (Peace Avenue) with ist 19th century houses

When I got tired of walking Vladikavkaz I hoped on a tram and enjoyed the quiet pace of provincial life from this perspective. Another highlight was watching families in the amusement park overlooking the river . Nobody seemed to be in a hurry. I watched life go by sitting on a tree-covered bench on car-free Prospekt Mira (Avenue of Peace), visited museums or hang out in cafes. Night life was not always, but sometimes is was great. Unforgettable a bar packed with young people, a small band was playing and a local celebrity grabbed the mike. A group of young ladies took me under their wings, and I left with cherished memories.

Vladikavkaz’s nightlife, great music and lovely people

The other must visit is a Retro USSR bar which has been operating for 100 years . People squash into small cubicles holding large mugs of beer that have to be picked up at the counter. Our little group was such a novelty that the regulars keep buying us so many drinks that we could not possible down them all.

Retro USSR bar, locals bought us so much beer we had to pass it on  

Hotel Vladikavkaz- great for people watching

The best place to view the snow-covered mountain peaks surrounding Vladikavkaz was from the Old Bridge or my room at Hotel Vladikavkaz , which was also overlooking Terek R iver and the amusement park . My most exciting moments on my balcony were the arrivals of weeding parties , which was quite a commotion.

Wedding Party arriving a Hotel Vladikavkaz

The convoy of expensive cars could be heard long before they pulled into the parking lots. The honking was deafening once they arrived, young beautiful women and middle aged men were then ushered into the hotel by friends and family clapping and singing. Once I sneaked into one of the posh parties, the noise of the music was earsplitting, and I was not sure if it was that much fun for most of the guests.

The location of the hotel is awesome and its veranda a place to linger forever (great WIFI) and do some serious people watching.

View from my hotel window, amusement park near River Terek

Caucasus wrestlers

Wrestling has a long tradition in the Caucasian Republics of Ossetia, Chechnya and Dagestan. Each has its own statistics that make it the number 1! By pure accident I learned that Vladikavkaz has a famous state-of-the-art wrestling academy. Nothing would have stopped me from visiting. I enjoyed an English-speaking tour through the premises, gyms, top equipment, sauna, pool. The academy hosts teams from all over the world also the USA, the fee is € 50 a day and kids a young as 9 years old start their training here. 

Wrestling Academy Vladikavkaz

Unfortunately, there was no training session while I visited, only a kind of rugby baske t ball match . Life in the region comes to a stand-still, when two champions fight each other in a tournament, especially if it one of them is American.

Wrestling Academy in Vladikavkaz

Vladikavkaz and the Caucasus in World War II  

On the outskirts of Vladikavkaz a memorial reminds of the Russian soldiers fallen in the battle of Vladikavkaz. Right beside the memorial is a huge mass grave, it was exactly here where the Germany army was stopped in the Caucaus . Hitler’s focus was on the rich oilfields of the Caucasus, which ironically supplied the German tanks and plane with fuel between 1939 and 1941. Before Hitler’s invasion of the USSR, Germany received 910.000 tons of oil from Stalin’s USSR, which made the quick advance of the German army and the use of its plane possible.

Words War II Memorial near Vladikavkaz, the front line was right there, this is how far the Germany army advanced

World War II Memorial near Vladikavkaz

Dargavs – The City of the Dead

A grassy hill dotted with little white huts was my first view of Dargavs. The two-hour drive from Vladikavkaz (US30 for the taxi) took me through stunning scenery, snow—capped mountains, greens meadows. Of course, I had prepared myself for this excursion, but I was still overwhelmed by this necropolis. A total of 95 stone crypts rise up the hillside in a very organized manner.  At the back of the complex is a watch tower whose top part has been destroyed. It is said that the tower was placed there to watch over the resting souls.

City of Dead, Dargavs 35 little crypts perched on a h ill

The tombs themselves are shaped like huts with curved roofs going inwards in steps and pointed peaks at the top, typical of Nakh architecture. If there is no pointed peak that means the family had no more surviving sun. The crypts tell even more about a family, the higher they were, the higher was their social status. The really big ones held up to 100 corpses.

City of Dead- Dargavs

The bodies were put in what looked little small canoes and shoved into the tiny opening. In some of the crypts you could peak through tiny openings and see the bones, some even wrapped in fabrics. I was told that until not too long ago the corpses wore rings and necklaces. Unbelievable, but recently visitors lost the respect for the dead and stole these precious bits, so the remaining jewelry was taken to a nearby museum. Actually, the site was closed down two months before my arrival, since visitors took photos of themselves with skulls. Only recently had it reopened.

Body were shoved into the structure in small wooden canoe-like coffins

The drive back to Vladikavkaz was equally spectacular, first through a small gorge following a river and then up an unpaved road with stunning vista of snowcapped mountains.

Ossetia’s countryside

Here in Dargavs I learned there were different types towers: Signal towers were high up in mountain and narrow. Towers served also as fortresses when under attack, they were wider and had up to three floors, since people found shelter there. Also amazing the time span they were being built, starting in the 5th century BC till 18th Century

Modern Monaster ies, Medieval R ock- F ortress and Pagan Saints

Not too far from Vladikavkaz is Fiagdon Monastery, an all-male monastery, which was only completed 2002. The monks collect herbs for making tea and produce cheese and honey. It looks way to modern but since I passed by I stopped to take a look.

our little gang that went to South and North Ossetia together

Much more interesting was the Medieval rock-fortress in the village of Dzivgis , which I would not have recognized as such, since it blends perfectly into the high cliff it was built in. In case of an attack the population of the whole gorge could find protection there.

Medival fortress

The Uastyrdzhi monument  catches the unknow traveler by surprise. In Ossetian folklore Uastyrdzhi   is the name of Saint George. He is the patron of the male sex and travellers. It is forbidden for women to pronounce his name, instead they must call him  “the saint of men”. When following the Ossetian Military Road along the River Ardon, it suddenly pops out of the rock. The horse’s hoof is 120 cm, and the palm of George can fit a man. But that is not all. Another place where he is worshipped looks like a church, especially since two small bells hung from a pole right next to it. The story goes that the people kept the bell but also their ancient belief. Since the end of the USSR the cult of Uastyrdzhi has enjoyed renewed popularity.

Uastyrdzhi Memorial = the name of Saint George.

Every year in fall lots of people gather for a big festival to celebrate Uastyrdzhi. The worshipping involved toasts made by an elderly from a wooden mug, who is assisted by two young men. Inside the small museum was a big painting of the very man with a long white beard riding a white horse, the mug and a chain hanging from the ceiling, so typcial for Ossetia.

Inside little museum where Uastyrdzhi is being worshipped

Three Days of September 2004 – The Siege of Beslan School Nr 1

Beslan is a small quiet town in the Russian Republic of North Ossetia in the Caucasus . Its streets are lined with brick-stone houses shaded by chestnut-trees, well-tended flower gardens adorn the front and vegetable gardens the back. Beslan could serve as a cliché-like model for a pastoral painting, if there had not been those 3 days in September 2004. On September 1st, t he gym of Beslan ’ s School Nr 1 became the epicenter of the hostage taking that resulted in the death of 335 mostly women and children three days later .

The former gym of Beslan School Nr 1, now a memorial to remind the 335 victims that were kept there for three days with water and food

In Beslan neighbors, family and friends sit outside their houses, chat and a random car or person go by. Children play in the street and a stranger like me walking by causes attention. When I took photos of the flower gardens, some locals were so touched, they took me inside to show me the gardens behind, I was offered food, teach and sweets. 

Beslan: beautiful flower gardens in front of the houses

Local family invited me for lunch and showed off their garden

I stayed with a family who fed me during my three day stay since I could not detect any eatery. The woman had learned some basic English and with google translator we managed to communicate.

Natascha cooking in the super hot little kitchen

Tiny tables, require creativity, stool goes sideways

On September 1 st , 2004, n eatly dressed children with balloons and flowers arrived for the traditional first day-of-school ceremony accompanied by parents and relative s . This moment of joy and happiness suddenly turned into a unparallel ed drama that lasted for three day:  more than 1100 children, parents and teachers were taken hostage by a terrorist group demanding independence for Chechnya.

Water bottled remind of the relentless thirst the children and adults suffered from

Forced into the gym where temperatures reached 40 degrees, the hostages were denied water and food, while the over 30 terrorists planted bombs all over the building. On the third day in an abysmal chaos of explosions, fire and gunshots 335 people were killed. In the video „The Children of Beslan“ children who survived remember those three days, the best documentary in my eyes. Unfiltered, the children talk about what seems unspeakable.

The former gym of Beslan school Nr 1.

In the few sequences of the video that show the end of the siege, even the most uninformed viewer immediately realizes the absolute chaos that dominated the event. To this day, countless questions of the parents have remained unanswered.

Photos of the victims on the wall of the Former gym, most of them children, give the horrid numbers a face

The victims were buried in a new cemetery a bit outside of Beslan, all the tomb stone are made of the same stone, symbolizing the same tragic fate. I passed one grave with five tomb stones, all members of the same family. It is impossible to comprehend the grief and pain that still haunts Beslan.

Another tragic story of is the one of Vitaly Kaloyev , an architect and native of Vladikavkaz. He lost lost his wife and two small children when  two planes collided mid-air over Germany on June 1, 2002. Kaloyev held Peter Nielsen, the sole air traffic controller in Switzerland who was handling traffic the night of the collision, responsible. In 2004, Kaloyev travelled to the Swiss  town of Knoten where he killed Nielsen, who had since retired from air traffic work.

Later, after his release from prison, Kaloyev was appointed deputy minister of construction of North Ossetia-Alania . In 2016, upon retirement from the local Ossetian government, Kaloyev was awarded the highest regional medal by that government, the medal “To the Glory of Ossetia”. The medal is awarded for the highest achievements, improving the living conditions of the inhabitants of the region, for educating the younger generation and maintaining law and order.

Vital Kaloyev touching the grave of his wife and two children

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Beslan , Dargavs , Fiagdon Monastery , Mukhtarov Mosque; Vladikavkaz , Uastyrdzhi , Vladikavkaz , Wrestling Academy

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Nadia Ferreira hangs out with friends, ahead of the birth of her baby with Marc Anthony

The 24-year-old model is just a few weeks away from giving birth to her first child with the singer.

About to become a mother, Nadia Ferreira is making the most of her last days with her baby bump. The beauty queen is in the final stretch of her pregnancy and is likely experiencing the symptoms of this stage. While awaiting the big day, the 24-year-old model is enjoying warm days in Miami alongside her mother, Ludy Ferreira , who has become her greatest support in this beautiful and exciting new chapter. Mother and daughter spent last Sunday together aboard a fully-equipped yacht.

The first runner-up of Miss Universe 2021 took to Instagram to share a series of stories in which she is seen enjoying her Sunday in good company aboard a yacht with friends, cocktails, and a feast of sushi. In her post, she noted that as she is pregnant and cannot consume alcohol, she joined her friends in a toast with natural water. “Toasting with water,” the model wrote alongside a photo of clinking glasses and cups containing piña coladas and mimosas.

In another photo, Nadia showed off her advanced pregnancy belly in its final weeks. The model proudly displayed her baby bump in a pink knit dress and posed sitting facing the sun, wearing dark sunglasses and a few accessories.

Besides her mother, Nadia was joined by some of her dearest friends, such as Gisela Iribas, Isabela Calle, and  Laura Lezcano . The three are very close to Nadia and have been around her throughout her pregnancy. They were also at her grand baby shower, which took place last May.

Is it a boy?

Marc Anthony and Nadia Ferreira have been very private about the pregnancy, and it’s unknown whether the model is expecting a boy or a girl. However, at the model’s baby shower a few weeks ago, the theme and decorations hinted that it could be a boy.

Everything from the cake to the decorations featured safari animal motifs, causing speculation of a baby boy’s arrival. The upcoming birth will be Nadia’s first experience as a mother, while for Marc, the baby will be his seventh child.

• Marc Anthony
• Nadia Ferreira

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