Big news out of Miami, Florida! On September 4, 2025, a fresh face from Managua, Nicaragua, stepped into the spotlight. Her name is Itza Castillo, and she just earned the title of Miss Universe Nicaragua 2025. This wasn’t your typical beauty pageant crowning; it happened far from her home country, at the James L. Knight Center. This event really turned heads and brought Nicaragua back into the global conversation.
At just 23 years old, Itza is now set to represent Nicaragua at the international Miss Universe 2025 competition in Thailand. Her win isn’t just a personal achievement; it carries a powerful message of hope. It shows amazing strength in the middle of a tough situation for the pageant back in Nicaragua.
You see, Itza Castillo didn’t get her crown in Managua. The whole Miss Universe Nicaragua contest is currently running from exile. After Sheynnis Palacios made history by winning Miss Universe 2023, there were huge celebrations in Nicaragua. The government didn’t like this. They saw these joyful gatherings as signs of political protest. Soon after, the traditional organization that ran the pageant in Nicaragua was shut down. Its director, Karen Celebertti, who was also Miss Nicaragua 2024, had to leave the country. She couldn’t continue with the franchise.
With the original organization gone, a new group stepped up. This is Miss Universe Nicaragua, now led by the US-based Emporium Agency. Thanks to them, the 2025 pageant could happen in Miami, featuring 16 contestants. Itza’s victory on foreign soil does more than just keep the competition alive and free. It also stands as a symbol of how resilient Nicaraguan culture is. People living outside their homeland are working hard to keep their traditions and dreams alive on the world stage.
Seven Things to Know About Itza Castillo, the New Miss Universe Nicaragua 2025
1. She’s from Managua.
Itza grew up in Managua, the capital city. From a young age, she loved modeling and public speaking. She took part in cultural and social events, which helped her get closer to the world of beauty pageants.
2. Her crowning was historic.
Itza’s crowning was a first. It was the first time the Miss Universe Nicaragua pageant was held outside the country. The special event aired live from Miami, showcasing 16 contestants.
3. The pageant operates in exile.
As mentioned, the Miss Nicaragua organization inside the country was closed by the government after Sheynnis Palacios won Miss Universe in 2023. Because of this crackdown and the previous director’s exile, the license moved to Emporium Agency, based in Miami, which now runs the pageant.
4. She has a strong educational and social background.
Itza isn’t just a beauty queen. She’s also a university student who has done great work in her community. During the final gala, she spoke about how important education is for making a difference in Nicaragua.
5. Geyssell García crowned her.
The outgoing queen, Geyssell García, who was Miss Universe Nicaragua 2024, had the honor of placing the sash and crown on Itza during the moving ceremony in Miami.
6. She’s a fan of Sheynnis Palacios.
In past interviews, Itza shared her admiration for Sheynnis. Sheynnis was the first Miss Universe from Nicaragua. Her big win in 2023 really inspired Itza to go for her dreams in the pageant world.
7. She carries a message of resilience.
Itza Castillo represents more than just outer beauty. Her crowning is a symbol of cultural strength. It shows how Nicaraguans living in exile are trying to keep their traditions and dreams alive, even when they’re far from home.