MANAGUA, Nicaragua (The Adobo Chronicles, Managua Bureau) – Move over, Michelle Dee. Your controversial (and winning) national costume and black evening gown are peanuts when it comes to Miss Nicaragua’s (and Miss Universe) white and blue finals night outfit.

Apparently, politics is much involved. The gown in which Sheynnis Palacios was crowned — a flowing white dress with a blue cape resembling images of Nicaragua’s patron saint, the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception — is viewed as a symbolic protest against the Nicaraguan government amid a crackdown on the Catholic Church.

Already, the government has barred the Miss Universe Nicaragua national director from re-entering the country, which puts in question how Palacios will be dealt with or treated since she has become the latest symbol of the opposition to President Jose Daniel Ortega Saavedra’s government.

While Nicaraguans are beaming with pride over their first-ever Miss Universe crown, Ortega’s government is teeming with anger.