Miss Universe 2023: Sheyniss Palacios Makes History for Winning First Ms. Universe Crown for Nicaragua

The most prestigious beauty pageant in the world, Miss Universe, finally concluded in El Salvador, and Miss Nicaragua, Sheynnis Palacios, was crowned Miss Universe 2023, becoming the first Nicaraguan to win the title.

She surprised many with the win, beating first runner-up winner Miss Thailand, Anntonia Porsild, and second runner-up winner Miss Australia, Moraya Wilson. She was chosen out of 84 candidates from all over the world.

According to the Associated Press, before entering the pageant, Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios was a communicologist. She stated that she "wants to work to promote mental health" as her platform and this is all because she previously suffered from debilitating bouts of anxiety herself.

Many felt that the Nicaraguan secured the win when she was asked which woman's shoes would she like to spend a year in. She answered she wanted to be the 18th-century English writer and philosopher, Mary Wollstonecraft, one of the earliest advocates of women's rights and is considered one of the forerunners of feminism.

Palacios also stated that she wants to work on the salary gap between men and women, vowing that she wants to close it "so that women can work in any area."

New Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios Shined With a Sparkling Gown During the Top 3

As the Top 3 candidates were revealed, Palacios, Porsild, and Wilson all wore custom gowns with embellishments, which included rhinestones and pearls.

WWD reported that Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios wore a "crystal and pearl-embellished gown with cutout shoulder details and nude crystal-embellished gloves" during the Final 3. The dress itself was a tribute to the Nicaraguan flag.

2023 marked some massive changes for the Miss Universe pageant as for the first time, two transgender women and a plus-size model and mothers were finally able to join.

Several guests include John Legend, who performed during the night, as well as Maria Menounos, Olivia Culpo, and Jeannie Mai Jenkins who served as the US show's hosts.

The dresses worn by the delegates were provided by Clarisse Designs. These were worn during the opening numbers. Meanwhile, the candidates' footwear was provided by Jojo Bragais.

Several Miss Universe 2023 Facts

Miss Universe 2023 was a truly historic pageant as not only did it crown Miss Nicaragua as the winner for the first time in history, but it also added its first body-inclusive contestant with Miss Nepal Jane Dipika Garrett.

"I am a determined, resilient, and genuine woman who embraces her true essence and nature without fear," she said in her Miss Universe bio. "My life experiences have molded me into the strong, bold, and courageous woman I am today."

Meanwhile, Miss Colombia Camila Avella was the first mother to ever join the competition, according to Business Insider. The pageant announced that mothers and married women could compete in August 2022.

Meanwhile, Noelia Voigt was the first Miss United States to have Venezuelan roots, and several candidates, including the winner herself, have been very candid about their struggles with mental health.

This was also the first Miss Universe pageant to be held in El Salvador since 1975, with President Nayib Bukele touting the changes he made under his administration.

"Miss Universe has given us the opportunity to show the world what we are capable of. Thank you for choosing to be part of El Salvador's rebirth," Bukele said.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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