Belizeans and visitors will have a chance to cheer for the five contestants on Thursday, August 16th - opening night for this year’s International Costa Maya Festival.

The committee has confirmed the following performers and is awaiting more confirmation to add to the nightly entertainment which will be as follows: Thursday, August 16th – Reina de la Costa Maya Festival featuring international soap opera star Juan Soler and Griga Boys. Friday, August 17th – Cultural Night with special presentations by Ballet de Mauricio Bonilla from El Salvador, Mariachis from Mexico, San Pedro Dance Company, Barbara’s Dance Company and Orquesta Brava from Honduras. Saturday, August 18th – International Night featuring actress/singer Laura Leon accompanied by her musical band and ballet, IKC Folklorico of Mexico, San Pedro Dance Company, Barbara’s Dance Company and Gilharry 7. Sunday, August 19th – Belize Jump Up with Gilharry 7. Tickets for the festival will soon be available and will sell for: Season Passes – Adults - $85/Children - $40. Day Passes – Adults - $20/Children - $10. International Night Passes – Adults - $50/Children $20. Persons interested in purchasing a food or product booth, may do so by contacting Mr. Wil Alamilla Jr. at 026-2180. Cost per booth is $400.

The Costa Maya Committee would like to thank the following sponsors who have pledged their generous support. Cash Sponsors: Diamond – Belize Tourism Board and Coca-Cola. Platinum – Belize Electricity Limited, Maya Island Air and the Ministry of Finance. Silver – Belize Bank. Bronze – Angelus Press and Belize Telecommunications Limited. Friend of the Festival – Pirate’s Lantern, La Diosa Spa. Service Sponsors: Diamond – Ramon’s Village Resort. Hotel Sponsors – Paradise Resort Hotel, Blue Tang Inn, Caribe Island Resort, Martha’s Hotel, SunBreeze Hotel, Holiday Hotel, Spindrift Hotel, Victoria House, Mayan Princess, Nellie’s Management, Bananas Beach Resort and Coconuts Hotel.