Sheynnis Palacios, the reigning Miss Universe 2023, touched down in Kathmandu on Thursday morning, marking her first visit to Nepal. Palacios’ arrival comes ahead of the Miss Universe Nepal beauty pageant, which is scheduled to take place next week.
Expressing her excitement, Palacios told ANI upon her arrival, “I am so happy to be here for the first time in Nepal. I am so excited to learn about your culture, meet the amazing people living here, and I’m grateful to the Miss Universe Organization for this opportunity.”
Palacios arrived in Kathmandu accompanied by a team of three members. Sharing her enthusiasm about meeting the contestants of Miss Universe Nepal, she said, “I am so excited. I can’t wait to meet everyone and, of course, share a few secrets on how to become Miss Universe.”
Sheynnis Palacios was crowned Miss Universe 2023 at the 72nd Miss Universe pageant, held on November 18, 2023, at the Gimnasio Nacional Jose Adolfo Pineda in San Salvador, El Salvador. She succeeded R’Bonney Gabriel of the United States to claim the prestigious title.
Before her Miss Universe triumph, Palacios competed in Miss World 2021 as Miss World Nicaragua 2020, where she finished in the Top 40. She later won the title of Miss Universe Nicaragua 2023, securing her spot as Nicaragua’s representative in the global contest.
The finale of Miss Universe Nepal is set to take place in Kathmandu on September 7, where 22 finalists will compete for the crown.