Miss Universe Win Sparks Nicaragua’s Move to Bar Pageant Director Critical of Ortega

Nicaraguan authorities have reportedly prevented the director of the national beauty pageant, Karen Celebertti, from returning to the country. This action comes in the wake of Sheynnis Palacios being crowned as the first Miss Universe from Nicaragua, seen by many as a symbol of opposition to the government.

Celebertti and her daughter were detained upon arrival at Managua airport and were subsequently sent to Mexico. The government has not provided any official reasons for barring Celebertti, a Nicaraguan national, from entering the country.

Exiled opposition members, including writer Gioconda Belli, have alleged that Celebertti’s entry denial was orchestrated by Vice President Rosario Murillo, the wife of President Daniel Ortega.

Belli, who lost her Nicaraguan nationality and now resides in Spain, claims that despite Celebertti’s success in helping a Nicaraguan win the Miss Universe title, she was targeted due to political reasons. There are also reports of a search at Celebertti’s home and the brief detention of her husband, Martin Arguello.

In response, the Miss Universe Organization has urged the Nicaraguan government to ensure the safety of individuals associated with the local pageant affiliates. The organization emphasized its commitment to securing the well-being of all its members.

Sheynnis Palacios’ victory on November 18 has been widely viewed as a symbol of opposition to the Ortega government. Palacios, known for waving the Nicaraguan flag during anti-government protests in 2018, has become a figure of hope for the Nicaraguan opposition.

Despite accusations from Vice President Murillo of malicious intent in sharing photos of Palacios at protests, the opposition sees her win as a positive moment and a source of national pride. The celebratory crowds have prominently displayed the blue and white national flag, associated with opposition sentiments, in contrast to the ruling Sandinista Front’s red and black flag.

Government officials obstructed artists from completing a mural of the new Miss Universe in Esteli, Nicaragua, according to opposition sources. The move reflects the significance of Sheynnis Palacios as a symbol of hope amidst political tensions. Her victory attire, resembling the country’s patron saint, is seen as subtle resistance to the government’s strained relationship with the Catholic Church.

Exiled Nicaraguans, including journalist Wilfredo Miranda and Bishop Silvio Baez, express gratitude to Palacios for bringing hope during a time of government crackdowns that led to casualties and exiles post-2018 protests.

Palacios’ rise from a modest background and her nickname, “Miss Fritters,” by a pro-government presenter remain in exiled media. Her education at a now-closed Jesuit institution adds complexity. Despite controversies, Palacios dedicates her victory to all Nicaraguans, both in the country and in exile, during her multi-nation tour after leaving El Salvador.