The third annual Miss Carnaval Pageant brought much laughter and culture to the stage of the Angel Nuñez Auditorium on Saturday, January 23rd. Organized by Flora Ancona’s Comparsa group, the pageant opens the island’s annual ‘El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro’ celebrations. This year’s pageant saw the participation of five lovely ladies: Lurbin Ruiz, Arabella Hernandez, Blanca Wagner, Angie Puerto and Melida Pereira. But like in any other pageant, only one of the participants could walk away with the title and crown, and that was Melida Pereira, who charmed the judges to become the 2016-2017 Miss Carnaval.
Gates to the pageant venue opened shortly before 7PM and by 8:30PM the show was underway. Master of Ceremonies, Edien Salazar started the program by announcing each of the contestants as they presented themselves to the audience during an upbeat opening dance. Lurbin Ruiz, sponsored by Haramouch Center, Arabella Hernandez, sponsored by Sandy Point Resorts, Blanca Wagner, sponsored by Amigos del Mar Dive Shop, Angie Puerto, sponsored by La Sirene Resort and Spa and Melida Pereira, sponsored by Medina’s Construction, all took to the stage with pride for their culture.
Following the opening number, the ladies retreated backstage to prepare for the next segment. During this intermission break, MC Salazar took time to introduce the judges. Having the difficult task to pick a winner for the night were Angel Nuñez, Adaly Ayuso and Vanya Nuñez.
With the contestants ready, the next segment was announced: swim wear. The ladies strutted the stage in their bathing suits, sun dresses and cover-ups. The crowd cheered as each contestant displayed a great deal of confidence and glamour. During the intermission break, Marthalicia Vasquez serenaded the audience with her melodious voice, while the contestants prepared for the talent segment.
The talent segment had to be the most entertaining part of the entire pageant. Up first was Ruiz, who danced to the beat of Las Chicas Rolands from Honduras. Hernadez treated everyone to an impersonation of Mexico’s favorite comedian “La Chupitos”.
Also presenting a dance was Wagner, whomoved to the cumbia beats of iconic songstress, Selena.
Demonstrating her singing talent was Puerto, while Pereira entertained everyone with a skit. Everyone applauded and cheered, as it was evident that each contestant had taken time to prepare the performance of their life.
The ladies once again retreated to prepare for the final segment of the pageant. Entertaining the crowd during the intermission break was the Black and White Charikanari Dancers with their traditional Garifuna drumming and dance routines.
During the final segment, the five contestants sashayed on stage in their elegant and sparkling evening gowns. The crowd cheered loudly for the ladies, who demonstrated beauty and poise, while the judges submitted their final scores. With the scores submitted to tabulators, the ladies were left waiting for the final decision, and outgoing Miss Carnaval, Sylvia Patricia Lopez delivered her final words and took a last walk on stage.
After several moments of anticipation, the winner was announced. Taking the crown and title of 2016-2017 Miss Carnaval was Melida Pereira. “I am so happy. I am truly honored to have participated in this pageant and won. This is part of our culture and I’m glad I can be part of it,” said Pereira. 
The runner-up title was awarded to Angie Puerto.
The San Pedro Sun congratulates all participants. Best of luck to Melida Pereira during her reign as Miss Carnaval.
