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Posted By: Marty 2012 Costa Maya Festival - 06/14/12 02:27 PM

The Costa Maya Festival is proud to present Nathaly Jazmin Mena Arauz (Miss El Salvador), the 19 year old who will be vying for the title of Reina de la Costa Maya 2012 along with seven other Central American beauties.

Nathaly is 5 ' 7?, has brown eyes, brown hair and a bronzed complexion. Her first language is Spanish but knows basic English.

She will join seven other contestants from around the Mundo Maya countries, including Belize, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama and Costa Rica, at the Miss Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant (August 3, 2012) that will take place during the San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival taking place from August 2 to August 5, 2012.

Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the Ambergris Today.

Click here for the website for the Costa Maya Festival for the latest information....

Posted By: Marty Re: 2012 Costa Maya Festival - 06/15/12 02:26 PM
Sponsors are still welcomed for this year's festival. Currently, Costa Maya counts Belize Tourism Board and Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr. as the Grand Sponsor for the event. Diamond sponsors include the Bowen Group of Companies, Ramon's Village Resort, Jose Luis Zapata Photography, Designing Solutions, Ambergris Today, The San Pedro Sun, The Reef Radio and Milo's. Those looking to sponsor can contact Mr. Gach Guerrero at [email protected].
Posted By: Marty Re: 2012 Costa Maya Festival - 06/21/12 08:45 PM
Presenting Miss Honduras and Los Pasteles Verdes for the Costa Maya Festival

It's just around the bend - in exactly six weeks, the International Costa Maya Festival will be in town. Are you ready? The committee has been working relentlessly behind the scenes, lining up the entertainment and talent that will be gracing the island for three nights and one full day.

Kicking off the fun is the most anticipated events, the Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant, which features beauties from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama. Anticipation is high as to who will take the crown this year, and residents have been eagerly awaiting the announcement of the beauties. This week, we present to you the lovely Miss Honduras, Esthefany Maolyth Pineda Perez. She is 19 years old, stands at 5 feet, 5 inches, and measures 36-23-36. The hazel-eyed brunette enjoys exercising, and is pursuing a career in dentistry. She joins Miss El Salvador's Nathaly Jazmin Mena Arauz in the race to win the prestigious title of Reina de la Costa Maya, a title currently held by Miss Mexico's Valentina Cervera Avila. �Bienvenida Esthefany!

Los Pasteles Verdes

While Friday night's fun and entertainment are being finalized, the committee will say that the younger audience better be prepared for a great surprise!

Providing the entertainment for Noche Internacional, August 4th, will be Latino Artists Los Pasteles Verdes. Los Pasteles Verdes was founded in 1973 by brothers Victor Hugo Acu�a (guitarist) and Cesar Acu�a (keyboardist), former musicians in 'The Jeekstones and Los Benkers'. They were joined by singer German Laos, drummer Jorge Luis Principe, bassist Miguel Moreno and on the percussions, Juan Vasquez. A second singer, Aldo Guibovich, joined the group a year later.

Sunday, August 5th is family day, with Fiesta en la Playa. Be sure to head on over to the 'playa' to enjoy beach activities, music and dancing. There will be lots to eat and drink, and the entire family is invited. Be sure to start saving up for your tickets. This year, tickets are $120 (Adults), $50 (Kids) for the three day event, while Thursday's entrance fee is $40 (Adults)/$15 (Kids), Friday - $40 (Adults)/$15 (Kids), Saturday $100 (Adults)/$50 (Kids) and Sunday is free.

Sponsors are still welcomed for this year's festival. Currently, Costa Maya counts Belize Tourism Board and Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr. as the Grand Sponsor for the event. Diamond sponsors include the Bowen Group of Companies, Ramon's Village Resort, Jose Luis Zapata Photography, Designing Solutions, The San Pedro Sun, Reef Radio, Ambergris Today and Milo's. Those looking to sponsor can contact Mr. Gach Guerrero at [email protected].
Posted By: Marty Re: 2012 Costa Maya Festival - 06/28/12 01:12 PM

The Costa Maya Festival presents Karen Elena Jordan Meitia, 23-year-old beauty representative from Panama who will be vying for the title of Reina de la Costa Maya 2012 along with seven other Central American beauties.

Karen is the current titleholder of Miss International Panama 2012 that she won at the grand finale of the 45th edition of Miss Panama beauty pageant which is held in Panama on Friday, March 30, 2012. She is 5' 7", has dark brown eyes, brown hair and with a clear complexion. Her first language is Spanish. Karen has a degree in physiotherapy and is currently a graduate student in pediatric neurorehabilitation. Her hobbies include modeling, reading, tennis, volleyball, shopping, traveling and cooking.

She will join seven other contestants from around the Mundo Maya countries, including Belize, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras and Costa Rica, at the Miss Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant (August 2, 2012) that will take place during the San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival taking place from August 2 to August 5, 2012.

Posted By: Marty Re: 2012 Costa Maya Festival - 06/30/12 12:46 PM

Soca Star Kevin Lyttle for Costa Maya 2012

"Turn Me On" says the San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival as it confirms the participation of Caribbean Soca superstar Kevin Lyttle for Friday, August 3, 2012 at the festival that will run from August 2 to the 5, 2012.

The Costa Maya Festival committee wants to please all generations of music lovers and decided to bring in two international artists for this year's festivities. Kevin Lyttle will light up the stage on Friday while Los Pasteles Verdes have been confirmed for the following night, Saturday, June 4, 2012.

Kevin Lyttle is a soca artist hailing from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, who had a worldwide monster hit with the addictive soca ballad "Turn Me On", which was recorded by Lyttle and the dancehall artist Spragga Benz. His strong live performances of soca influenced by dancehall and contemporary R&B made the song a hit throughout the Caribbean. The single was released in the U.S. in 2004 and the video was added to MTV on 24 May 2004. "Turn Me On" eventually went gold in the U.S. and peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.


Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the Ambergris Today

Posted By: Marty Re: 2012 Costa Maya Festival - 07/04/12 10:05 PM

Miss Belize Contestant for Costa Maya Festival 2012

This week the International Costa Maya Festival proudly presents Miss Belize, Karen Jasmine Middleton, the 19-year-old beauty representative from the district of Corozal will be vying for the title of Reina de la Costa Maya 2012 along with seven other Central American beauties.

She will join seven other contestants from around the Mundo Maya countries, including Panama, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras and Costa Rica, at the Miss Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant (August 2, 2012) that will take place during the San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival taking place from August 2 to August 5, 2012. (Click here for Miss Costa Maya Pageant 2011 Review)

Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the Ambergris Today

Posted By: Marty Re: 2012 Costa Maya Festival - 07/08/12 02:37 PM

Presenting Miss Nicaragua for Costa Maya 2012!

The list of beauty pageant delegates continues to grow, and we present to you the lovely Miss Nicaragua, Ivey Jellisa Alvarez Hunter. She is 20 years old, and stands at 5' 8", has dark brown eyes and hair. She is an International Relations & Diplomacy student who speaks both English and Spanish.

Ivey joins other beauties from Belize: Karen Middleton, Costa Rica: Mariela Aparicio, El Salvador: Nathaly Jazmin Mena Arauz, Honduras: Esthefany Maolyth Pineda Perez, and Panama: Karen Elena Jordan Beitia. These lovely ladies will be joined by delegates from Guatemala and Mexico, on Thursday, August 2nd as they compete for the title of Reina de La Costa Maya, which is currently held by Mexico's, Valentina Cervera Avila.

Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Sun

Presenting Miss Costa Rica for Costa Maya 2012!

With the current line-up for the International Costa Maya Festival including Los Pasteles Verdes and Kevin Lyttle, the news is only getting hotter as the highly anticipated announcement of delegates for the Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant keep coming. This week we present to you the gorgeous Mariela Aparicio, and she hails from the land of Pura Vida, Costa Rica!

Mariela is a lovely dark-eyed brunette model and cosmetologist who enjoys listening to music, traveling and exercising. She stands at 5' 7" and measures 34-23-35. All eyes will be on her and the other beauties from Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama on Thursday, August 2nd. Mariela joins Miss Belize: Karen Middleton, Miss El Salvador: Nathaly Jazmin Mena Arauz, Miss Honduras: Esthefany Maolyth Pineda Perez and Miss Panama: Karen Elena Jordan Beitia, in the race for the title currently held by Miss Mexico, Valentina Cervera Avila.

Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Sun

Posted By: Marty Re: 2012 Costa Maya Festival - 07/12/12 01:55 PM

Performers Line Up for Costa Maya Festival 2012

Berne Velasquez

This year the International Costa Maya Festival promises to be bigger and better. Two international performers have been booked for audiences to enjoy and the list of performers is growing and top notch artists are being booked. The following are just a few performers who  will be taking center stage at this year's International Costa Maya Festival.

Berne Velasquez

Performers Line Up for Costa Maya Festival

The International Costa Maya Festival is happy to announce that Belizean Performer, Berne Vasquez, will be shaking things up once again at this year's International Costa Maya Festival. We all remember Bern's highly energetic and rhythmic performance from Costa Maya Festival 2010 and we all are looking forward to another performance from one of our own.

Corozalsa

Performers Line Up for Costa Maya Festival

Corozalsa is a salsa/merengue band that has worked hard for the past two years understanding the intricate rhythms of this genre of Latin music and has now blossomed into a salsa band in Corozal Town. Forming this band has been the life-long dream of Mr. Andy Rosado, who has a passion for Latin music. Corozalsa is the first full fledge salsa band to be formed here in Belize.

His musicians are from all over the country of Belize, who were willing to take on the challenge.
This band is under the watchful eye of their professional conga player, Mr. Mario Antonio Punchard and their lead singer is the talented and charismatic Mr. Harold Nava. They are all excited about representing Latin music here in Belize and are looking forward to "rocking the crowd" at La Costa Maya Festival this 4th of August in San Pedro Town.

Grupo Crash

Performers Line Up for Costa Maya Festival

The Costa Maya Festival would not be the same if Grupo Crash would not perform. They have become an essential part of the Costa Maya Festival as they have been perfuming year after year with dynamic and energetic performances. Let us all welcome back, Grupo Crash, to The International Costa Maya Festival 2012 and to our Isla Bonita.

Jael Jourianne August

Performers Line Up for Costa Maya Festival

A new face to the International Costa Maya Festival is Jael Jourianne August.  Jael will be performing live during pageant night, Thursday, August 2nd.

At the tender age of 4 she enrolled in the Belize National Dance Company which laid the foundation for her as a stage performer.  She toured with the Ozzy & Friends Performance Show in 2011 and participated in this year's National Festival of Arts held by the Institute of Creative Arts.  In the summers of 2010 and 2011, she attended the Institute of Creative Arts/NICH Summer Arts Institute Vocal Workshop under the tutelage of Ms. Kellie Cadogan, singer and vocal trainer from Barbados.

This year she is once again in training, attending Vocal Technique classes at Belize School of Music under the guidance of vocalist/classical trainer, Mr. Gavin Courtenay.  She is also an aspiring member of the Belize National Youth Choir.

Make sure to be a part of one of the country's largest festivals - The International Costa Maya Festival 2012 - an event not to be missed. See you there!

 


Schedule of Events

Saturday, July 28
Noche Tropical at Ramon's Village

Get the opportunity to see and meet the contestants up close

Thursday, August 2
Miss Costa Maya International Pageant

Hosted by Jennifer Chiong Past Miss Costa Maya & Eiden Salazar
Entertainment by:
Jael August - Singer
Corozal Community College Dance Company
Natalie Arceo - Singer
Nu Generation Dance Company
After Party (to be announced)
 
Friday, August 3
Opening Gala and entertaiment

Opening Ceremonies - Speakers
Flag Presentation by Nu Generation Dance Company
Berne Velasquez - Singer/Entertainer
Ballet de Camara de Quintana Roo
Grupo Crash - Dance Group
Nu Generation Dance Company
The Remaining Band

Kevin Lyttle - International Artist
After Party with Tuff E Nuff Sound

Saturday, August 4
Grupo Crash - Dance Group

Ian Manuel Somosa - Impersonator
Corosalsa Band from Corozal

Los Pasteles Verdes - International Artist
After Party to be announced

Sunday, August 5th
Fiesta en La Playa - Party with the DJ'S

Greasy Pole
Beach Volleyball and Beach Games
Sailing Race (this will be by the sailing school of San Pedro)
DJ Mauricio
(more to be announced)

Grand Sponsors
Belize Tourist Board
Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr.
Bowen Group of Companies
San Pedro Town Council

Diamond
Designing Solutions
Jose Luis Zapata Photography (Official Photographer)
Love FM
Milo's Group of Companies
Ramon's Village Resort
NICH
Reef Radio
 
Platinum
Ambergris Today
San Pedro Sun
Kristal Shipping
Great Belize Production
 
Gold
San Pedro Belize Express
Belize Border Management
Tropic Air
Maya Island Air
Moncho's  Golf Cart Rental
Radio Oye
Wine de Vine
 
Silver
Mata Chica
Discovery Expedition
Atlantic Bank International Bank Ltd.
Pete Enterprises
 
Bronze
Refri Tech
Wally's Electrical Services
Las Terrazas
Black Coral
Victoria House
Captain Sharks
News Exchange Magazine
Suya Tours
Belize Telemedia
 
Friends
Xanadu Resort
Annies Pastries
 
Hotels
Holiday Hotel
Victoria House
Sun Breeze Hotel
Sun Breeze Suites
San Ignacio Hotel
Spindrift Hotel
Blue Tang Inn

Restaurants
Fido's Courtyard
Pineapples Restaurant
Caprice Bar and Grill
Mickey Place
Hidden Treasures
Mango's Grill

Posted By: Marty Re: 2012 Costa Maya Festival - 07/17/12 01:53 PM

Costa Maya 2012 outlines the events for this year’s Festival

The International Costa Maya Festival is Belize's biggest festival, and it is held right here on La Isla Bonita. Featuring international and local artists, it is a celebration of music, pageantry and culture. Already, there is a buzz about the upcoming Reina de la Costa Maya pageant, as well as international artists Los Pasteles Verdes and Kevin Lyttle. But throughout the three nights of festivities, there will be lots to enjoy, and a variety of music and dance performances to keep everyone happy.

Below is a schedule of planned events:

Thursday, August 2nd: Pageant Night

Hosted by Jennifer Chiong (Miss Costa Maya 2008) and the enigmatic island MC Eiden Salazar (Reef Radio), the Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant will certainly be a crowd pleaser. Entertainment for the night will include performances by Jael Jourianne August.

Jael has been onstage since the tender age of four, having enrolled with the Belize National Dance Company. She toured with the Ozzy & Friends Performance Show in 2011 and participated in this year's National Festival of Arts held by the Institute of Creative Arts. In the summers of 2010 and 2011, she attended the Institute of Creative Arts/NICH Summer Arts Institute Vocal Workshop under the tutelage of Ms. Kellie Cadogan, singer and vocal trainer from Barbados. She is also an aspiring member of the Belize National Youth Choir.

Natalie Arceo will be stirring souls with her melodious voice onstage once more at Costa Maya on Thursday night as well. Natalie is a powerhouse vocalist, with a range of styles that certainly make her a crowd pleaser. Also hitting the stage for interpretive dance and show will be the Corozal Community College Dance Company, as well as the Nu Generation Dance Company. Of course, the grand finale will be the crowning of the new Miss Costa Maya! The after-party will be under the Belikin tent, so bring your dancing shoes to party into the wee hours.

Friday, August 3rd: Music and Culture Night

The official opening ceremonies will be led by guest speakers and honorees, and followed by the traditional Flag presentation, done by the Nu Generation Dance Company. Providing traditional Mayan dances will be the Ballet de C�mara de Quintana Roo. Nu Generation will also be back on stage performing their smooth moves for the crowd. The popular Grupo Crash from El Salvador will be back this year with their fantastic choreography and high energy.

Adding a little bit of rock will be The Remaining, a cover band that will be performing songs from Paramore, Evanescence, 30 Seconds to Mars, The Cranberries and much, much more! They will be followed by the ever energetic, always rhythmic Berne Velasquez. Following him will be the highly anticipated Kevin Lyttle. Lyttle hails from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and he found stardom with his 2001 soca ballad "Turn Me On". He will definitely be turning on the heat Friday night at Costa Maya! Tuff E Nuff sounds will be adding fuel to the fire after Lyttle's performance, making for an after-party to remember.

Saturday, August 4th: International Night/Noche Internacional

Grupo Crash will once again be warming up the stage with their energetic performances on Saturday night, and they will be followed by San Pedro Dance Academy. Grupo Divash, a Guatemalan dance troupe, will be performing on stage as well. Former Miss Costa Maya Gabriela Asturias is a member of Divash, and she will be onstage once again, this time, providing fantastic entertainment! Afterwards, El Salvador's Ian Manuel Somosa will be serenading the crowd with his covers of popular ballads.

Belize's very own Corozalsa will then take the stage with their unique salsa/merengue style. Corozalsa has worked hard for the past two years understanding the intricate rhythms of this genre of Latin music and has now blossomed into a salsa band in Corozal Town. It is in fact, the only full-fledged to be formed here in Belize.

Of course, they all lead up to the International Artists, Los Pasteles Verdes from Peru. Los Pasteles Verdes are renowned throughout Latin America, especially after their first hit "Angelitos Negros". This hit preceded their debut album "Recuerdos de Una Noche". Other significant hits include "Hipocresia" and "Esclavo y Amo". It will be a soulful night indeed.

Sunday, August 5th: Dia De Playa

Taking advantage of the sun and sand, Costa Maya will once again hit the beach with fun games, lots of good music and of course, cool drinks and yummy food for a fun family day. There will be beach volleyball and other games. Be sure to swing by and enjoy!

The gates will be opened at 7:00PM every night, and everyone is urged to be seated by 7:30PM. Tickets are available at the following prices: Season Pass – Kids: $50, Adults: $125. Thursday Night: Kids – $20, Adults – $45; Friday Night: Kids – $30, Adults – $60; Saturday Night: Kids – $20, Adults – $75. Sunday is a free fun family day! Get your tickets at any of the usual outlets: Milo's Center, Milo's Ice, Wally's Electrical (Leni Nu�ez), Angel Valdez (Post Office), The Reef Radio, Emerita Mu�oz, Oh Danny Boy Tours, La Divina Providencia, Caye Supplies and with Cruzita Salazar (behind Rocks). You can also call the Costa Maya office at 226-4163 to find out more.

Related Articles

Posted By: Marty Re: 2012 Costa Maya Festival - 07/27/12 05:54 PM

Official Countdown to the 20th International Costa Maya Festival BEGINS NOW!

Celebrating the culture and ancestry of the Maya and the completion of the Maya Calendar 13th Baktun-under and highlighting the beauties of the Mundo Maya World, Belize is once again proud to host the the International Costa Maya Festival from August 2nd - August 5th, 2012 on the beautiful island of San Pedro.

The International Costa Maya Festival, first held in 1992, was organized to unify the Mundo Maya world, bringing together representatives from across Central America to showcase their Mayan Ancestry, which has now become one of Belize's most anticipated annual events. This year, the Costa Maya Committee has put together a full and pulsating list of entertainment and events to satisfy friends and family alike.

Today, to kick start the events will be the amiable arrivals of the 8 beautiful delegates vying for this years' Reina Del La Costa Maya title. The lineup for this year are Miss Belize - Karen Jasmine Middleton, Miss Panama - Karen Elena Jordan Beitia, Miss Honduras - Esthefany Maolyth Pi�eda Perez., Miss El Salvador - Nathaly Jazmin Mena Arauz, Miss Nicaragua - Ivey Jellisa Alvarez, Miss Guatemala - Alessandra Manzur Franco, Miss Mexico - Natalia Villanueva and Miss Costa Rica - Mariela Aparicio. Upon arrivals, the delegates will be transported to the San Ignacio Resort and Hotel where they will be hosted for dinner and enjoy a mythical Maya Tour along with an official photo-shoot early tomorrow morning.

On Friday, July 27th, the delegates will depart for their official arrival to La Isla Bonita which they will call home for the next 10 days.

The Costa Maya Committee and the people of Belize would like to welcome them all to our country and wish them all the best in this year's pageant. The Committee also invites the Belizean public to keep abreast of all the new and exciting announcements for this year's festival such as the Opening Gala and Live Entertainment segment, Live Performances by Kevin Lyttle and Peru's "Los Pasteles Verdes", Fiesta en La Playa- along with the DJs and Beach Volleyball Party and other beach activities.

For more information on the schedule of events and specifications of this years' festival, fee free to contact the Costa Maya Office at telephone numbers, 226-4163 or email us at [email protected].

Posted By: Marty Re: 2012 Costa Maya Festival - 07/28/12 12:53 PM

SIRH Hosts La Reina de la Costa Maya Contestants
The contestants for La Reina de la Costa Maya were at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel last night. They posed for pictures over drinks and appetizers. Rebecca Stirm, who represented Belize on Mission Catwalk, was one of the special guests. The Running W Steakhouse prepared an exquisite meal for everyone. Thanks go out to the SIRH for hosting an amazing night. The ladies really enjoyed their stay in Cayo.

Posted By: Marty Re: 2012 Costa Maya Festival - 07/31/12 01:13 PM

Costa Maya Contestants Visit Cahal Pech
The Costa Maya contestants also visitied Cahal Pech while they were in Cayo. Dorian Nunez from the Ambergris Today was on hand to capture the ladies as they posed on the Mayan ruins. Great work, Dorian!

Costa Maya Delegates Visit Iguana Hatchery
The contestants for La Reina de la Costa Maya visited the Green Iguana Conservation Project at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel while they were visiting Cayo. Looks like they had a great time, and they surely gave the iguanas some love. Miss Honduras released one into the wild! When wast the last time you saw pageant contestants covered with iguanas? "The International Costa Maya Festival has officially began with the arrival of the Reina de la Costa Maya Delegates. The eight beauties from el Mundo Maya, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Belize have been having fun since their arrival in our beautiful country. They first headed to San Ignacio, Cayo and were hosted by the San Ignacio Resort where they had a welcome dinner by the hotel's proprietors and got to meet Rebecca Stirm, a rising Belizean fashion designer who had two of the girls model one of her dresses. The following day, they were given a tour to the Iguana Project, an initiative by the San Ignacio Resort to help protect Green Iguanas in Belize. The delegates had fun interacting with the reptiles and took many photos to take memories back home. Miss Honduras even got to release one to the wild as a Birthday present by The San Ignacio Hotel."

Posted By: Marty Re: 2012 Costa Maya Festival - 08/01/12 12:42 PM

The Costa Maya Festival was born the Sea and Air Festival, a project to attract Tourists to La Isla Bonita, San Pedro. This year the festival is celebrating its twentieth Anniversary after having been the Sea and Air Festival for four years with the other sixteen years as the Costa Maya Festival which carries the same objective, to attract locals and tourists alike to the island on its slow tourist season so that all businesses in the island can benefit. Milo Paz is one of the Directors of the Costa Maya Festival in San Pedro.


And since the festivities take place this weekend, it's time to start purchasing tickets. Paz tells us just where you can acquire them.

Paz extended thanks to all those who volunteered of their time and efforts, especially sponsors and international contributors who are sure to add in making the festival a success.

LOVETV

Posted By: Marty Re: 2012 Costa Maya Festival - 08/01/12 12:55 PM

The Costa Maya Festival was born the Sea and Air Festival, a project to attract Tourists to La Isla Bonita, San Pedro.  This year the festival is celebrating its twentieth Anniversary after having been the Sea and Air Festival for four years with the other sixteen years as the Costa Maya Festival which carries the same objective, to attract locals and tourists alike to the island on its slow tourist season so that all businesses in the island can benefit.  One of the Directors of the Costa Maya Festival in San Pedro told Love News who is responsible of organizing this grand event.

MILO PAZ

Director

Costa Maya Festival

“We have an organizing committee which consists of about nine members and we’ve been members of the committee for about twelve years now and it includes all aspects of business people.  This weekend will be grander of course.  The Costa Maya adjusts every year to make it more attractive to everyone.  This Thursday night will be the choosing of Miss Costa Maya International and we have the participation of all the Central American countries from Guatemala to Panama and Mexico as well.  Friday we will have one of our International nights.  It’s a jam-packed event starting from six thirty to three in the morning.  We will have the Mayan cultural dances and stuff and we have the Caribbean artist, Kevin Lyttle who will be performing from midnight on.  Saturday is the other International night and we have groups from El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico performing and we have the International artist, Los Pasteles Verdes from Peru.  Sunday it will be a great beach party at the Central Park on San Pedro.  We want as much people as can come but history has told us that we have between three to four thousand attending the festival every year.”

And since the festivities take place this weekend, it’s time to start purchasing tickets.  Paz tells us just where you can acquire them.

MILO PAZ

Director

Costa Maya Festival

“We have outlets in San Pedro that are selling the tickets and we strongly recommend that if people will be purchasing the tickets that they do it from the outlets.  We have had little problems in the past where tickets were duplicated but for the first time we will be having electronic tickets.  We have outlets all around town but just to let you know, the Season Pass for the festival is $125.00 per person and that’s from the age of 13 up.  For children from the age of 5 to 12 is $60.00 and a little treat for the children.  In the past once they paid this fee they had to pay for mechanical rides as well; this year all mechanical rides on the field for the children who buy the season pass will be free of charge for them and they can go as many times as possible.  But if you’re only going to visit for one night, Thursday is the pageant, it will be $45.00 for adult and $20.00 for a child; Friday will be $60.00 for adults and $30.00 for a child, that’s the night with Kevin Lyttle; Saturday is $75.00 for Pasteles Verdes and $20.00 for children.”

Paz extended thanks to all those who volunteered of their time and efforts, especially sponsors and international contributors who are sure to add in making the festival a success. 

LOVEFM

Posted By: Marty Re: 2012 Costa Maya Festival - 08/03/12 01:20 PM

Starting Tonight; The International Costa Maya Festival At La Isla Bonita!

For the 21st consecutive year, the International Costa Maya Festival will be captivating visitors that are being lured to La Isla Bonita, Ambergris Caye for four days filled with liveliness. Charming beauty queens of Mexico and Central America, along with vibrant cultural activities, music, food and drinks will intrigue audiences at this year's San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival. The Festival will be taking place from August 2nd -5th, 2012.

"The week of the festival is the most colourful and busiest week on the island. Costa Maya is a grand event that is enjoyed by all those that attend," shared Dorian Nu�ez, member of the Costa Maya Festival Committee. "If you have not been to one, maybe it is time to join your friends in San Pedro, Belize for a week of fun-filled entertainment."

The four day event emerges tonight with the selection of the Miss Costa Maya International, in which 8 beauty queens from Mexico and Central America will be vying for the title. On Friday, August 3rd, the grand Opening Gala will transpire with an array of cultural presentations and a feature presentation by the Caribbean artist, Kevin Lyttle. Saturday will captivate everyone as the night will host Costa Maya's International Night. The night will come to life with International presentations from El Salvador and Guatemala. "Los Pasteles Verdes" from Peru will entice everyone with world renowned songs like "Reloj" and "Recuerdos de una noche". Sunday, August 5th, the culmination of the festival will feature a "Fiesta en la Playa" with various sports competitions, a Volleyball tournament and music.

The International Costa Maya Festival is one of San Pedro's biggest events. You cannot afford to miss out!

For more information on the International Costa Maya Festival, visit http://www.internationalcostamayafestival.com/.

Posted By: Marty Re: 2012 Costa Maya Festival - 08/04/12 01:11 PM

Miss Mexico's Natalia Villanueva takes the Costa Maya Crown


Miss Reina de la Costa Maya 2012, Natalia Villanueva of Mexico

Costa Maya's newest beauty ambassador is Mexico's Natalia Villanueva. At the pageant held on Thursday, August 2nd, five judges: Alyssa Carnegie, Amy Knox, Pedro Salazar Sr., Iraida Gonzalez and Dr. Jose Jones made the decision after an initial interview with the beauties, plus their stage presence in swimwear and evening gowns, and their Q & A sessions.

The eight contestants came onstage and performed a dance, then in twos, shared a bit of information on the Maya before heading backstage to prepare their costumes. Spectacular confections that showcased the mastery of the artisans from each country filled the stage with splendor. Feathers, beading, props and hand-painted textiles featured beautifully. Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama's true artistry shone in each costume.

Natalie Arceo Performs at Costa Maya


Natalie Arceo, with her powerhouse vocals, debuts her new single "Me Despido". She was accompanied on the guitars by Derrick Ba�os.


Natalia Villanueva of Mexico is the new Reina de la Costa Maya for 2012. She was crowned the Costa Maya's newest beauty ambassador on August 2, 2012.

Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Sun

Posted By: Marty Re: 2012 Costa Maya Festival - 08/04/12 01:18 PM

Miss Mexico Does it Again at Costa Maya Pageant 2012

Miss Mexico, Natalia Villanueva, proved to have what it takes and proudly represented her country to bring a two peat grab of the Costa Maya Crown at this year's Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant that took place on Thursday, August 2, 2012, at the commencement of the International Costa Maya Festival in San Pedro, Belize.

At the end of an exciting pageant filled with elegance, beauty and entertainment, Miss Costa Rica took third place, Miss Panama placed second and Miss Mexico took the crown for the second year in a row. Mexico once again claims the most wins at the Costa Maya Pageant with six titles. Guatemala is close behind with 5 title wins. Panama is the only country without the Miss Costa Maya title with just five years participating in the pageant, but it seems they are getting closer to the crown each year they participate. Belize is the only other country with more than one win with a count of two.

Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the Ambergris Today

Posted By: Marty Re: 2012 Costa Maya Festival - 08/08/12 12:58 PM

Reinas, Rock, Rhythm, Romance: Costa Maya Festival celebrates 20 years!


Three nights and one day; the International Costa Maya Festival 2012 was a full weekend of entertainment. After Thursday's pageant saw the selection of Natalia Villanueva as Costa Maya's beauty ambassador, the festival was in full swing on Friday and Saturday night.

During the opening ceremonies on Friday, which included the traditional flag dance done by the Nu Generation Dancers, El Salvador's Tourism Minister addressed the crowd after opening remarks by San Pedro Town mayor Daniel Guerrero. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism and Culture also spoke at the event, praising the festival organizers for continuing the hard work of putting on a successful weekend every year. Milo Paz, one of the festival directors spoke to the crowd as well, reminiscing on the 20 years of festivities, including the entertainment, sponsorship and attendance. After the formality of speeches, it was time for the party to get started!

With elegant Maya costumes, the Ballet de Camara from Quintana Roo, Mexico began the night's festivities with their elaborate and thrilling ballet performance. They were followed by the energetic and upbeat Grupo Crash from El Salvador. Depicting various styles of dance, the troupe went through quick costume changes throughout their performance, featuring classic, cultural and modern dances for all ages in attendance. To enthusiastic applause, they took their final bow and cleared the stage for pulse-pounding guitar riffs and drum beats from The Remaining. The rock band hails from Belize City, and came complete with violinist, adding a touch of pulsing rock to the evening's activities.

Click here for the rest of the story and more photos in the San Pedro Sun

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