Sheynnis Palacios, representing Nicaragua, has a long history of being among the finalists of Miss Universe 2023, a book that transcends the scope of beauty pageants and becomes a symbol of hope for a country marked by oppression and struggle freedom. Nacida in Managua is 23 years old, this young man has not only conquered a title of beauty, but also the courage of her compatriots, who come to her as a figure of inspiration and resistance against adversity.
Sheynnis' Victory is not only a cause for celebration for Nicaragua, but also an event full of symbolism. In a country where Daniel Ortega's regime severely limited demonstrations and civil liberties, his triumph was interpreted as an exhibition of the strength of the Nicaraguan people. Over the years, the government has repressed any type of public expression, even going so far as to ban religious processions such as Holy Week. However, last Saturday, the streets of Nicaragua were filled with joy and emotion, indirectly dispelling the restrictions imposed by the regime.
Sheynnis has emerged as a young, powerful voice representing a generation of Nicaraguans demanding change. Graduated in communications from the Central American University (UCA), her political activism is nothing recent. In 2018, when Aún was a student, she spoke out at protests advocating freedom and democracy for her country. The UCA, which for years was a bastion of resistance against the government, was recently expropriated by the Sandinista regime, which added more symbolic weight to Sheynnis' trajectory.
“My country has the opportunity to change, and this triumph opens many doors,” says Sheynnis during his participation in the Certomen. Her message had a profound resonance among Nicaraguans, who saw in her a figure who personifies the values of effort, humility and determination. Sociologist Douglas Castro, a member of the Civic Alliance, said that Sheynnis had transformed himself into “a symbol in a country where spaces of expression are controlled by the government. Su triunfo represents the hope of a community that identifies with its history and its fortune.”
Sheynnis' story is marked by perseverance. Coming from a humble background, he worked as a young man to support his family, also selling tamales and other foods to generate ingredients. Her mother, who is currently seeking asylum in the United States, is traveling through Central America and Mexico in search of a better future, reflecting the difficulties many Nicaraguan families face. Despite these adversities, Sheynnis has stood out not only for her beauty, but also for her social commitment. In addition to being an activist, you run an animal shelter and produce a podcast focused on mental health, topics that resonate with many people inside and outside of Nicaragua.
However, its rise has not been without criticism and obstacles. Before the Certomen, Sheynnis was in the clear in attacks from related sectors of the government, who wanted to discredit her through jokes and specific comments. Including if he turned to speculate on the possibility that the regime prevents her from returning to the country, a strategy previously used against those percibidos such as opponents. Despite these difficulties, her success in Miss Universe forced the government to maintain a less confrontational posture, even if it never continued to show signs of reaction.
Days after his triumph, a group of artists decided to paint a mural in his honor in Estelí, a city located three hours from the capital. Regime agents addressed the muralists, telling them that they continue to monitor closely any expression of help to adversary figures. This type of action reflects the climate of tension that persists in Nicaragua, where any gesture of rebellion, for the small sea, is seen as an annoyance from the government.
Sheynnis Palacios' impact was closer to the Nicaraguan borders. His triumph was interpreted by analysts as an opportunity for the people to express their feeling of national relevance and order, in a context in which the symbols of the patriots were monopolized or prohibited by the regime. «The outcome of Sheynnis allows people to recover symbolic spaces that they have been denied. It is a form of expressing your identity and your desire for change,” said sociologist Elvira Cuadra, director of the Centro de Estudios Transdisciplinarios de Centroamérica.
Sheynnis also used his platform to send helpful messages, but depending on the situation in his country. In one of his appearances, I saw an inspired relevance in Zanate, a municipality in Nicaragua that he saw as a symbol of resistance. This election, where the national guard was used, was interpreted as a gesture of connection with people of humble origins, which gave them a representation closer to their daily reality.
Furthermore, during that certain period, Sheynnis referred to the persecution that the Catholic Church had faced in Nicaragua. In a country where priests have been locked up, deported or silenced, his message was a record of the religious tensions gripping the nation. One of the most emblematic cases is that of Bishop Rolando Álvarez, who remained detained as a political prisoner after challenging the regime.
Daniel Ortega's regime has tried to downplay the impact of Sheynnis' triumph, but his figure has already become an emblem of hope for Nicaraguans. Its story is connected to a population trying to overcome adversity and recover its country. «She represents a segment of the population that fully identifies with its fortune. He is a young worker, compromised, who has exceeded his goals despite the difficulties. Its outcome resonates with those who seek an opportunity to move forward,” emphasized Cuadra.
Sheynnis Palacios' triumph is not only a recognition of her talent and commitment, but also a record of the power of personal stories to inspire collective change. In a country where residents' voices have been silenced, her victory in Miss Universe has allowed Nicaraguans to dream of a different future. Even if the challenges persist, the figure of Sheynnis transforms into a beacon of hope for those who want to live in a freer and more just country.
As Nicaragua moves towards a trapped path, the impact of Sheynnis Palacios will follow if there is a record that even in the darkest moments, there are reasons to step into change. His story demonstrates that perseverance, compromise and valor can transform not only a life, but also the spirit of a nation.
