Miss Universe 2023 Winner Sheynnis Palacios Secures Crown in Nicaraguan Flag-inspired Gown

Ayana Herndon

19 November 2023 at 0:39 am·2-min read

Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios was crowned Miss Universe 2023 on Saturday in San Salvador, El Salvador, shining onstage in a crystal-embellished gown that paid tribute to her roots.

The 23-year-old secured the first-ever Miss Universe title for her Central American country. Her long-sleeve gown with crystals decorating her chest, arms and torso also featured a vibrant blue shawl attached.

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Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios, miss Nicaragua is crowned the winner of the 2023 pageant on Nov. 18 in San Salvador, El Salvador, — Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua is crowned the winner of the 2023 pageant on Nov. 18 in San Salvador, El Salvador.

The sparkling frock was inspired by the Nicaraguan flag, which includes blue and white stripes along with the country’s National Coat of Arms at the center. Palacios secured a victory over first runner-up Miss Thailand Anntonia Porsild, and second runner-up Miss Australia Moraya Wilson.

She was crowned by 2022 Miss Universe winner R’Bonney Gabriel.

“Nicaragua, I feel you in my heartbeat, the sound of your marimba flows through my veins. I carry the strength of a volcano in my being and I’m ready to take that crown to you,” Palacios captioned an Instagram post earlier on Saturday.

Palacios made another nod to her homeland during the National Costume show on Thursday, gracing the stage in a purple and black costume that was inspired by the Nicaraguan grackle bird species El Zanate. The custom ensemble, which included voluminous wings and a matching headpiece, was designed by Jorge Salazar Caliz.

The 2023 Miss Universe pageant featured contestants from 86 countries competing for the crown. Singer John Legend performed at the ceremony, which included Olivia Culpo, Jeannie Mai and Maria Menounos as hosts. The show was streamed on Roku. Clarisse Designs dressed all delegates for the opening numbers of the preliminary and final competitions, and Jojo Bragais was the footwear sponsor. Lebanese jewelry company Mouawad has been the official jeweler for the Miss Universe organization since 2019.

Miss Universe National Costumes 2023 Photos: All the Looks

SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR - NOVEMBER 16: Miss United States Noelia Voigt attends the 72nd Miss Universe Competition - National Costume Show at Gimnasio Nacional Jose Adolfo Pineda on November 16, 2023 in San Salvador, El Salvador. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR - NOVEMBER 16: Miss Brazil Maria Brechane during the 72nd Miss Universe Competition National Costume Show on November 16, 2023 in San Salvador, El Salvador. (Photo by Alex Pe√±a/Getty Images)

16 November 2023, El Salvador, San Salvador: Miss Guatemala Michelle Cohn performs during the National Costume Show as part of the 72nd Miss Universe pageant. Photo: Camilo Freedman/dpa (Photo by Camilo Freedman/picture alliance via Getty Images)

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Miss Universe 2023 Winner Sheynnis Palacios Secures Crown in Nicaraguan Flag-inspired Gown

Miss Universe National Costumes 2023 Photos: All the Looks

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