Nicaragua has a new queen — and she’s bringing Caribbean representation with her.

Jasmine Blandford has officially been crowned Miss Universe Nicaragua 2026 and will represent the Central American country at the 75th Miss Universe competition this November in Puerto Rico.

The 27-year-old model received the crown from outgoing Miss Universe Nicaragua Itza Castillo during a special ceremony held September 4 at the InterContinental Hotel in Doral, Florida.

But Blandford’s coronation represents more than another name being added to Nicaragua’s pageant history.

She is an Afro-descendant woman with family roots connected to Kukra Hill on Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast and says she wants to use the international stage to represent the country’s Caribbean women.

“This night we make history,” Blandford said during her coronation, noting that it has been roughly 16 years since an Afro-descendant woman represented Nicaragua on the Miss Universe stage.

The last was Scharllette Allen, who represented Nicaragua in 2010.

From Professional Model to Miss Nicaragua

Blandford is based in Miami and already has extensive experience in the fashion industry.

She has worked professionally as a model, including appearances at Miami Swim Week, and has built a substantial social-media following of more than 400,000 people.

She was selected directly by the Miss Universe Nicaragua organization rather than winning through a traditional national competition.

As part of becoming Miss Universe Nicaragua, Blandford received $50,000 in prize money, a one-year representation contract, wardrobe and makeup support and professional preparation ahead of Miss Universe.

Sheynnis Palacios Returns for the Special Night

There was another major Nicaraguan beauty queen in the room.

Sheynnis Palacios, who made history in 2023 as the first Nicaraguan — and first Central American — to win Miss Universe, attended the ceremony as a special guest and received an emotional tribute.

Palacios spoke about what her historic victory meant to Nicaragua, telling the audience that when she won Miss Universe, the victory belonged to the entire country.

Her win dramatically changed Nicaragua’s position in the pageant world.

Nicaragua has now reached the semifinal stage of Miss Universe for three consecutive years, beginning with Palacios’ victory in 2023 and continuing with Geyssell García and Itza Castillo.

Now it’s Jasmine Blandford’s turn.

Next Stop: Puerto Rico

Blandford will represent Nicaragua when the 75th Miss Universe competition takes place this November in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

She’ll enter the competition carrying some serious expectations after Nicaragua’s recent run of success.

But she’ll also be bringing something particularly meaningful to the international stage: representation for Nicaragua’s Afro-descendant and Caribbean communities.

From Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast to Miami — and next, Puerto Rico.

Jasmine Blandford is ready to represent Nicaragua. 🇳🇮👑