The Costa Maya International Festival actually had its origin as The San Pedro International Sea and Air Festival. It was the brainchild of a few Sanpedranos along with members of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, particularly Bruce and Victoria Collins. The early days of the festival had the participation of Belize, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador- the Mundo Maya countries. Yes, the festival was all about music, artists, culture, food galore and ties of friendship among the participating countries. Noche Mexicana offered Mexican beer, folklore, and food and so were the other nights dedicated to each country (five nights of festival- Tuesday to Saturday) That is how the Salvadoran pupusas came to San Pedro.
And yes, there was also the selection of Miss Sea & Air Festival Queen. In this flashback, right at Fido’s Beach, beautiful Patty Arceo, on the far right, took the title and the crown as Miss Sea and Year Festival.