The preliminary costume contest for the 2023 Miss Universe pageant was a hit, especially when Miss El Salvador took the stage in her “volcanic empowerment costume.” This costume depicted the nation’s iconic volcanoes, which hold significance as the government of El Salvador ventures into Bitcoin mining.
Isabella García-Manzo, Miss El Salvador, donned a stunning costume that featured a massive crown symbolizing the sun, and a dress that transitioned from bright orange to crimson and then charcoal toward the train. The costume “ignited” in bright orange in the dark and erupted into bright flames, representing the transformative power of nature and the human spirit.
El Salvador’s Transformation and Bitcoin
Miss El Salvador’s costume designer referred to her as a “volcanic goddess,” emphasizing the symbolic representation of rebirth. El Salvador has seen major changes in recent years, including adopting Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021, which has positively impacted its tourism numbers since 2019.
In 2022, Miss El Salvador’s costume was also Bitcoin-themed, reflecting the country’s currency evolution from cocoa to BTC. El Salvador’s government recently partnered with Volcano Energy to invest $1 billion in sustainable Bitcoin mining, with a portion of the revenue going to the government and infrastructure development.
El Salvador’s Bitcoin Commitments
Although only $250 million has been raised for the initiative so far, it will be allocated to wind and solar-based mining, with plans for geothermal-based mining in the future. President Nayib Bukele committed to purchasing 1 BTC per day, with Bitcoin’s price more than doubling since that announcement.
Hot Take
Miss El Salvador’s costume at the Miss Universe pageant’s preliminary contest was a visual representation of the nation’s commitment to Bitcoin mining and sustainability. As the government partners with private firms for sustainable mining initiatives, the costume becomes a symbol of El Salvador’s growing presence in the cryptocurrency world. This visually striking representation of the nation’s identity and ambitions drew attention to El Salvador’s technological innovation and economic ventures.
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