The 3rd edition of Miss Brasil, qualifying for Miss Universe 1956, was held on 16 June 1956 at the Palácio Quitandinha (Quitandinha Hotel) in Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro. Maria José Cardoso, a Santa Catarina native who grew up in Rio Grande do Sul, won the title representing Rio Grande do Sul. The event, sponsored by Diários e Emissoras Associados, brought together 22 contestants from Brazilian states seeking to succeed Emília Correa Lima.