Miss Mexico, Priscilla Pastrana Lopez

Honduras’ Yerbaklan, Csarec and Jimmy James

    Priscilla will be gracing the Costa Maya stage in San Pedro, and joining her will be delegates from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. At the end of the night, only one will be crowned by outgoing Reina de la Costa Maya Maritza Rivas, of Nicaragua. Who will be our new beauty representative? You just have to be there for the grand moment!

    Friday night’s lineup has just gotten even more exciting, as Honduras’ Yerbaklan will be on stage performing to your heart’s delight. They’ve been here before, but under a different name. Now, with a fusion of reggaeton and urban rhythms, Cesar Castaneda (Csarec) of San Pedro Sula, and Jaime Colindres (Jimmy James) of Tegucigalpa, are one of the most well-known duos in Honduras. Csarec and Jimmy James both dreamt of becoming artists/singers from a very young age, writing their own lyrics and making their own music. They eventually fused their styles and became what is now known as Yerbaklan.

    They are influenced by such artists as UB 40, Boyz II Men, Vico C, El General, Shabakan and Nando Boom. They got their start in 2004 when they were included in a compilation called “Leyenda 2”. This production catapulted them via newspaper media, radio and television, both local and national. In 2005 they were recognized as “Duo of the Year”, and got top radio and television rotation with their hit “La Vaquerita”. They even traveled and performed throughout Honduras, Guatemala and San Pedro, Belize for Costa Maya. They have had the good fortune to be the opening performances for artists such as Calle 13, Don Omar, Daddy Yankee, Rakim y Ken-Y and Tito “El Bambino”. In 2008, they held a concert of their own in Honduras, and caught the attention of US record label “Xatruch Music”. Their first album, called “Primera Clase” started production in 2009, and if their 2007 singles “Sexy Gial” and “Tu Amante” is anything to go by, Primera Clase is a guaranteed hit for this talented duo. And now, festival goers will be able to enjoy them in the flesh as they once again hit the stage, polished, primed and ready to blow you away. Be sure to catch the front row when Csarec and Jimmy James come on stage.

    So, start saving up for your tickets if you want to catch all the excitement!! The prices are as follows: Season Pass: Adult - $115, Children - $45. Those who want to attend specific nights should know that the prices are as follows: Thursday: $30 (A), $15 (Ch), Friday: $30 (A), $15 (Ch), Saturday: $70 (A), $40 (Ch) and Sunday: $40 (A), $10 (Ch). Layaway is also available. Keep on the lookout for ticket outlets. For more news and updates, visit the new Costa Maya website, designed and maintained by Designing Solutions, www.internationalcostamayafestival.com. More sponsors are also lining up to support the festival, and businesses are welcome to join the prestigious list of Costa Maya friends: Grand Sponsors: Belize Tourism Board, Bowen Group of Companies; Diamond Sponsors: Ramon’s Village Resort, Maya Island Air, Designing Solutions, Jose Luis Zapata Photography, San Pedro Sun, Ambergris Today, NICH, The Reef Radio, Milo’s; Platinum Sponsors: Tropic Air, SMART, Ambergriscaye.com, Krystal Shipping, Grand Belize Estates, San Pedro Belize Express and San Pedro Town Council; Gold Sponsors: Moncho’s Island Golf Cart Rental, Atlantic Bank, Belize Bank; Silver Sponsors: Fido’s Courtyard, Moon Dancer; Bronze Sponsors: Micky’s Restaurant, Captain Sharks Marine Center, Refri Tech, Belize Social Security and Progresso Shores; Hotels: Martha’s Hotel, Holiday Hotel, Blue Tang Inn and Mayan Princess and the Villas at Banyan Bay.

    For more information on how to become a sponsor for Belize’s largest festival, contact Mr. Gach Guerrero via the festival website, and as always, check out your weekly copy of The San Pedro Sun for more news and updates.