The Miss Universe Belize 2026 delegates arrived in San Pedro on August 10th, touching down aboard Maya Island Air and receiving a traditional Garifuna drumming welcome. The island will host the national pageant for the first time. That evening at 7PM, a meet-and-greet at Mahogany Bay Village Resort kicked off pageant week, allowing residents and visitors to meet and interact with the contestants ahead of the pageant on August 15th, also at Mahogany Bay.
The delegates were welcomed at Maya Island Air by Garifuna drummers, whose rhythms accompanied their arrival before they continued to Mahogany Bay. Organizers said the cultural welcome was chosen to showcase Belize’s diverse heritage. Several contestants joined in, taking turns on the drums and posing for photos with residents and visitors. Organizers added that the meet-and-greet marked the official start of the pageant’s public activities in San Pedro and provided an opportunity for the delegates to engage directly with the community.
The decision to stage Miss Universe Belize in San Pedro marks a first for the island and reflects organizers’ efforts to highlight Belize’s tourism destinations. Charles Mejia, Miss Universe Belize Production Director, said the selection was driven by the island’s potential for exposure and its history of hosting large events. “San Pedro, we love pageants here, and this is special,” Mejia said. He noted that pageant week includes the meet-and-greet, site visits, meals, and promotional stops ahead of the main event at Mahogany Bay on Saturday.
Before they arrived in San Pedro on August 10th, the delegates toured other parts of the country. The meet-and-greet featured a mix of formal introductions and casual conversations. Attendees included island residents, hospitality representatives, and visitors, many of whom expressed excitement about seeing the national pageant come to San Pedro. Organizers described the turnout as strong and enthusiastic, with supporters voicing anticipation for the weekend’s main event.
The eight delegates vying for the coveted title of Miss Universe Belize 2026 are Litzy Manzanilla, Caleigh-Rose West, Kiren Marie Chan, Rena Angela Thompson, Samantha Jones, Shadie Ellington, Vivian Magdalen Noralez, and Zeidi Vellos.
Some delegates discussed their journeys into the competition and the platforms they hope to promote. Litzy Manzanilla, 20, said her entry began with an unexpected social media application. A dancer and Business Administration student, Manzanilla said she seized the opportunity when it presented itself. Zeidi Vellos, a culture coordinator from Corozal, described her decision to enter as “very spontaneous,” adding that 2026 felt like the right year to try new things and that she has appreciated the learning experience.
Kiren Chan and Samantha Jones, a university student and national volleyball player, also described their entries as spontaneous responses to application calls. They expressed eagerness to use the platform to promote sports and opportunities for young people. Caleigh-Rose West, representing Mahogany Heights, outlined her advocacy for linking women’s basketball to educational funding opportunities for girls. Rena Thompson, a teacher and multilingual athlete, said her platform focuses on increasing women’s representation in Parliament.
Looking ahead, organizers and delegates said hosting the pageant in San Pedro could increase the island’s tourism visibility and build momentum for future cultural events. The Miss Universe Belize 2026 pageant is scheduled for Saturday, August 15th, at 7PM at Mahogany Bay Village Resort. Following the meet-and-greet, excitement continues to build ahead of the crowning of the next Miss Universe Belize.