International Night featuring International Mexican Performer Marisela.

Photography by Jose Luis Zapata

International Costa Maya Festival’s Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant 2011.

Photography by Jose Luis Zapata

Opening night presentations at the International Costa Maya Festival.

Photography by Jose Luis Zapata

Here are all eight delegates vying for the title of Reina de la Costa Maya 2011. These are from their official photo shoot with photographer Jose Luis Zapata taken at Ramon’s Village Resort.

The International Costa Maya Festival is happy and excited to announce that the delegates that will be competing in this year’s Reina de la Costa Maya have began arriving in the Island.

International Costa Maya Festival, Reina de la Costa Maya Delegates 2011

Miss Costa Maya Costa Rica 2011, Crissia Maria Sanchez Calvo

Miss Costa Maya Mexico 2011, Valentina Cervera Avila

Miss Costa Maya Belize 2011, Idolly Louise Saldivar and Miss Costa Maya Guatemala 2011, Miss Gautemala, Ana Lucia Mazariegos Florentino

Miss Costa Maya Belize 2011, Idolly Louise Saldivar

Miss Costa Maya Guatemala 2011, Ana Lucia Mazariegos Florentino

The Belize Tourism Board, this week, became the grand sponsor for the Costa Maya Festival, something that the festival committee is very happy and appreciative for. The sponsorship promises to greatly assist the festival in ensuring proper funding for activities of the festival.

Although the festival commences until next week Thursday, the festive activity starts today with the arrival of the pageant contestants. And after today, the beauty contestants are whisked away into a whirlwind of activity that will allow the community to meet and interact with them.  In turn, San Pedro extends its warm welcome and its charm toward the international delegates. Here are some of the highlighted events before pageant night and the festival:

Thursday: Welcome dinner at Fido’s Restaurant and Bar. The contestants will have dinner and given a warm welcome to San Pedro by the crowds at Fido’s. Make sure you join the fun.

Friday: Mayan Buffet night at Elvi’s Kitchen. The contestants experience the amazing Mayan Buffet signature of the Famous Elvi’s Kitchen.

Saturday: Noche Tropical at Ramon’s Village. The contestants from Belize, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama are formally introduced to the community during a fashion show and cultural presentation on the beach.  The contestants will model clothing by Moondancer, official sponsor of the pageant. Preliminary judging will also take place as the ladies showcase in a cultural costume presentation. The event is open the public and starts at 7p.m. See you there!

Sunday: Day trip to Caye Caulker. The contestants are treated to a day of fun in the sun, sea and a tour of our neighboring island of Caye Caulker, whose village council has proudly sponsored the visit.

Monday, August 1: Saga Humane Society fundraiser and Captain’s Casino Night. The contestants and World Series of Poker player Badih Bounarha will be hosted to an evening of gambling and entertainment at the newest entertainment spot on the island.

Night includes:

* Guests will be treated to a night of glamour and gambling from 7pm-10pm for a $20Bze entrance fee.

* Captain’s Casino promotional ticket value $10US to use for play

* Free Drinks for all players- cash bar available

* Free Appetizers– mini pizza, shrimp cocktail, beef and pork sliders

* Raffle drawings

* Free boat to Captain Morgan’s arrive Fido’s Dock @ 6:30, 7:30, 8:30pm. – Free return to town on coastal express

After Monday the ladies commence the vigorous training for pageant night, but they will still be out and about visiting gift shops, boutiques and dining all around the island at restaurants that have proudly sponsored the festival.

The will be on Reef Radio’s Morning Show from Tuesday August 2nd, to Friday August 5th.

Pageant night is on Friday, August 5 and by then the festival is already in full swing. Season pass tickets and tickets for only concert night for international artist Marisela on Saturday, August 6, are already on sale at these following outlets:

Reef Radio/Beauty Club, Emely Salazar
664-7592/650-7484

Ilna Nunez, Carlos Salon
602-2308

Milo’s Center, Rilma Givini
226-2196

Milo’s Ice
226-2033

Wally’s Electric, Leni Nunez
226-2408

Post Office, Angel Valdez
226-2250

Marisa Salazar, at Office
664-7492

Emerita Munoz
226-2085

Efrain Guerrero
602-5055

La Divina Providencia, Suzana
226-4205 (Escalante)

El Patio Restaurant
226-3898

Island Gear
226-4327

Regina Brown
629-1742