Miss Guatemala crowned Queen of the Costa Maya
There is a new Reina de la Costa Maya. She was crowned last night before an enthusiastic crowd in San Pedro. News 5’s Jacqueline Woods was on hand for the pageant and came back to town just long enough to file the following report.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
The tenth San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival got off to a good start on Thursday night. Children enjoyed the mechanical rides while the adults tasted all they could eat and drink.
Patty Arceo, Area Representative
“First of all it brings us closer to the country because this is a festival where Belizeans as a whole can come and enjoy themselves. There is a lot to offer and here in San Pedro we could see that many countries come together, coming from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. So it brings us much closer and a better understanding of each other.”
A highlight of the celebration is the Reina de la Costa Maya Beauty Pageant. Five young ladies representing the Mundo Maya countries, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico and Belize vied for the crown. The contestants performed for the crowd and the judges had a difficult time choosing a winner.
Sharon Dominguez, Judge
“Well we are certainly looking for someone who can carry the title as Reina de la Costa Maya with much integrity. We are looking for stuff like poise, confidence, beauty of face and also intelligence from each of the contestants that are here.
Its a good crew, they are five intelligent beautiful women and we have a very difficult job right now because all of them are very…anyone that wins can very well carry the title. I mean very, very good.”
Jacqueline Woods
“Care to share with us which of the young ladies is your favourite?”
Sharon Dominguez
“None actually. Actually all of them are my favourite.”
After gracing the stage with their charm and talent the young ladies gathered on stage to wait for the final decision. Miss Belize, Melina Diaz received a bouquet for best cultural costume, while Erika Ramirez of Honduras was chosen as first runner up…and Miss Costa Maya 2001 is…
Emcee
“Guatemala, Evelyn Lopez.”
Miss Guatemala, Evelyn Lopez says she did not expect to win but just entered the pageant to have fun and meet new friends.
Evelyn Lopez, Miss Costa Maya
“No. I really wasn’t expecting to win because of the political thing that Belize and Guatemala has. So it’s like I was just enjoying myself and it was great. Thank you, thank you very much I didn’t expect that.”
Lopez says during her reign as Miss Costa Maya she plans to promote tourism for the five Mundo Maya countries. Reporting for News 5, Jacqueline Woods.
Tonight is cultural night at the Costa Maya Festival, with performances by groups from all five Mundo Maya countries. Saturday is international night with singer Laura Leon from Mexico, along with Belize’s own Gilharry Seven.
