The San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival commences on Thursday, August 2, 2012, but pageant week starts a seven days ahead the festival with the arrival of the eight delegates who kick start a whirlwind of activates leading up to competition night.
This year the delegates arrived on Thursday, July 26, 2012, and were whisked away to San Ignacio, Cayo, where they were hosted by the San Ignacio Resort with a welcome dinner with the proprietors, friends and Rebecca Stirm, Belize’s rising fashion designer who had two of the girls model one of her dresses.
The following day, the beauty delegates 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. (Click Here for more pictures at San Ignacio Resort)
Later in the morning, they headed to the Cahal Pech Maya Site where they had their official photo shoot with Costa Maya Festival’s official photographer, Jose Luis Zapata. Stay tuned for those pictures coming soon.
Once back in San Pedro on Friday, July 27, Mr. Ramon Nuñez welcomed them to Ramon’s Village (the official resort for the Costa Maya Pageant) and were hosted to a fun evening of dining and dancing at Fido’s Restaurant and Bar. This is where island residents had their first glimpse at the contestants. On Saturday, the ladies were hosted at Noche Tropical at Ramon’s Village.
On Sunday, July 29, it was a day of sailing, underwater exploring and snorkeling on board the Seaduced by Belize catamaran. Blue and bright skies opened for the ladies after a gloomy morning and they had two one-of-a-kind experiences that San Pedro has to offer. First it was walking at the bottom of the sea with Discovery Expedition’s Seatrek adventure. Like aquanauts, the ladies ventured into the Caribbean Sea and explored the Mexico Rocks coral gardens.
“I am so amazed at the natural beauty of this island/country, commented Miss Honduras. “This is a once in a lifetime experience that I will take with me and remember forever. I have never done such an amazing thing before.”
After a quick lunch by host restaurant Mambo at Mata Chica Resort it was a snorkeling adventure at the world famous Shark Ray Alley located at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. With a little bit of nervousness, but no lack of adventure, all the delegates jumped into the water and interacted with the nurse sharks and sting rays.
“My God, I have been missing out on life and wonderful adventures; thank you,” commented Miss Panama as she explained how amazed she with her experience at the marine reserve. “I am totally in love with Belize,” she continued.
And this was the sentiment of all the delegates who celebrated new adventures and friendships while they sailed back to the island, enjoying the beautiful day and spectacular sunset.
