The long anticipated Costa Maya International Festival commenced on Thursday, August 1st with the Miss Costa Maya Pageant. Belize’s Destinee Arnold brought the crown back home, and set the pace for the second night, in which DJ Zog brought the party to Costa Maya!
Before the anticipated On Friday, August 2nd, the official opening ceremonies were held. Addressing the crowd at the opening of the night was Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Area Representative Manuel Heredia Jr. and festival organizer, Milo Paz. Mayor Guerrero emphasized the importance of the festival to San Pedro, and the need to keep the Maya culture alive. “To maintain the ties within our Central American countries we must continue this festival to express our rich Maya heritage. I thank all the participating countries for bring their culture to one stage. I would also like everyone to enjoy the new Saca Chispas project, which is not yet completed but is bound to be a great recreational facility when it finishes next year. Welcome and enjoy the Costa Maya festivities,” said Mayor Guerrero. Heredia spoke about the hard work the festival organizers had done and how he looks forward to the festival growing in the years to come. “It’s is a pleasure for me to address you all as the key speaker for the Costa Maya Festival. It is important that we note that Costa Maya was created to bring revenue during the slow season. It is a time when Central American countries unite in culture. Today we have to ensure that we continue to support that unity and better the festival. I thank the organizers for making this festival a success for over 20 years,” said Heredia.
Milo Paz reminisced in the 21 years since the inception of the festival. “As we can see, the island is over flowing with national and international visitors alike, that was the purpose of the festival to create a form of income in the slow months of the year. The festival will grow as the years come. I take this opportunity to thank everyone that made this event possible, the organizers, the sponsors, Mayor Guerrero and the Minister Heredia,” said Paz. Master of Ceremonies Eiden Salazar made an impromptu decision and called Miss Costa Maya 2013/2014 Destinee Arnold to the stage to deliver a short speech. “I am glad to be your beauty ambassador. I was hoping for the best at the pageant but never thought I would take the crown. Thank you all for believing me and supporting me. I will strive to do my best to continue to promote and better the festival,” said Destinee.
Once the formalities were over, the party truly started. The island party night began with the traditional flag dance. After the traditional flag dance by the Ballet Folklorico de Quintana Roo, the dancers presented typical cultural dances for all the Central American countries. Each dance was unique to its region such as the Cumbia is to Panama and Punta is to Belize. The dances came alive as the dancers gracefully moved around the stage in elaborate and colorful costumes.
The comedic show of Yan Somosa from El Salvador continued. Yan had the entire crowd laughing with his hilarious imitation and his funny antics. Yan’s presentation of PSY’s Gangnam Style” had the crowd laughing hysterically. Up next came the energetic and upbeat Grupo Crash from El Salvador. Their mix of cultural and modern dances had the crowd tapping its toes; they were certainly a show stopper. Each dance presentation contained risky acrobatic tricks that the dancers delivered flawlessly. The crowd’s applause for the dance group was long and loud. Following their act was the Guatemalan Paradise Reggae Band. Their cool melodious vibes had the crowd moving to the Caribbean rhythm, and under the starry night sky, it was a great day to be on a Caribbean island enjoying groovy music.
With the energy on high it was time to bring out the main event. All the way from Miami, Florida, USA, DJ Zog took to the stage, spinning the latest tracks. His distinct style of blending Hip Hop, House, Old School, Reggae and Rock has revolutionized the music trend in South Florida and that was the same revolution he delivered at the Costa Maya stage. Young and old alike flocked to the front of the stage, ready to dance and enjoy on of Miami’s finest DJ. Zog’s constant interaction with the crowd had everyone shouting, dancing and waving the hands in the air. Fist pumping was the name of the game on Friday night, as the crowd enjoyed track after track. DJ Zog brought the party to Costa Maya, and attendees were more than satisfied with an incredible evening of great music.
It was another great night at Costa Maya, and the final event is tonight (August 3rd) as Noche Internacional welcomes the long-awaited group, Los Yonics to bring the romance and memories of yesteryear to life on stage! See you there!!!
