Activities for the biggest international festival in Belize, the International Costa Maya Festival, began on Wednesday, July 26th, with the arrival of the delegates for this year’s Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant. The pageant will officially open the festival on Thursday, August 3rd, with eight contestants from the seven Central American countries and Mexico vying for the title and crown.
Representing Belize in the pageant this year is San Pedro’s very own Michelle Nuñez. “I feel so excited for this opportunity to represent Belize our country in such an event,” she said. Nuñez was at the airport welcoming the beauty ambassadors as they arrived to San Pedro Town via Maya Island Air, the official airline of the festival. The other candidates for this year’s event include: Miss Mexico Ximena Cardoso Gutierrez, Miss Guatemala Lesly Fernanda Flores Sagastume, Miss El Salvador Iris Yazmin Guerra, Miss Honduras Andrea Nicolle Salinas Godoy, Miss Nicaragua Danielle Nicole Hodgson Joseph, Miss Costa Rica Glennys Medina Segura, and Miss Panama Maria Fernanda Jaspe.
First to arrive was Miss Mexico, who was mesmerized with Ambergris Caye. “I feel so happy to be on La Isla Bonita! It’s my first time on the island and I look forward to have magnificent experience in the festival,” Guterrez said. She hopes to see a lot of the island and meet the island residents.
Shortly after, Miss Panama, Miss Costa Rica, Miss Nicaragua, and Miss El Salvador touched down on the island. They were thrilled to finally be on Ambergris Caye and with hugs and big smiles they greeted everyone at the airport. They shared with The Sun that it is not just about the competition, but to indulge in the Belizean culture and enjoy their time on the island while they prepare for the grand night. They all acknowledged that there is much work to be done throughout the week leading to the pageant night next week Thursday.
Miss Honduras and Miss Guatemala where the only two candidates that have not arrived. They are schedule to touch down on Ambergris Caye tomorrow, Thursday, July 27th.
Following a quick photo session at the airport, the beauties were transported to Ramon’s Village Resort where they will be staying during their time on the island. Later in the evening they will end their first day on the island with a sunset cruise courtesy of Island Dream Tours (YOLO). On Thursday, they will enjoy a lunch at Estel’s Dine by the Sea Restaurant, and then later in the evening is the official sashing ceremony at Fidos Court Yard. On Friday, July 28th, the queens will be treated to a lunch at Secret Paradise Grill and Restaurant, followed by cultural dining at the Maya Buffet at Elvis Kitchen in the evening. On Saturday, July 29th the delegates will participate in a meet and greet event at Mahogany Bay Village. A parade and street party will take place later in the day, hosted by Finn and Martini.
On Sunday, July 30th they will enjoy an all-day cruise abroad the YOLO (Island Dream Tours). The following day, the delegates will be on the Morning Talk show on Reef Radio/TV. Their long week of activities will culminate on Wednesday, when they participate in a fundraising event hosted by San Pedro Saga Humane Society at Palapa Bar and Grill.
The pageant will take place on Thursday, August 3rd at the Honourable Louis Sylvester Sporting Arena at 8PM.
Tickets are now on sale. Seasonal Passes are $175 for adults (12 years and older) or $60 for children (5 years to 11 years), Night passes are $50 for adults and $30 for children on Thursday, August 3rd (Reina de La Costa Maya Pageant), adult $75 and children $30 on Friday, August 4th (Caribbean Night) and $100 for adult and $30 for children on Saturday, August 5th (Noche Internacional).
The San Pedro Sun wishes all the delegates the best of luck.
