Hundreds of people lined up outside of Las Tinajas restaurant in San Francisco\u2019s Mission District March 8 to meet Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios at the beginning of her U.S. tour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWho wouldn\u2019t be excited to see Nicaragua\u2019s first Miss Universe,\u201d said Henry Castro, who was carrying a large photograph of the beauty queen. \u201cShe\u2019s such a humble person at heart.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega initially expressed \u201clegitimate joy and pride\u201d over Palacios\u2019 historic win in 2023. This moment soon became politically charged after video surfaced of Palacios participating in 2018 protests that were violently suppressed by the Nicaragua government, killing at least 355 people and forcing thousands into exile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although Palacios herself has not commented on the situation, her victory became a symbol of hope and resistance for the Nicaraguan opposition. Meanwhile, Ortega\u2019s government has stopped mentioning Palacios altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the Las Tinajas restaurant, attendees mostly expressed pride and excitement over Palacios\u2019 visit. \u201cWe hope more Nicaraguan women shine,\u201d said a Nicaraguan attendee who goes by Mr. Spicy. \u201cNot only for their beauty, but as people who can change the world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is still not clear if Palacios will be able to return to her own country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n