Regional contestants arrive for Costa Maya pageant
The sixteenth installment of San Pedro’s Costa Maya Festival is scheduled to run from August seventh to tenth. The three days of food, music, and culture pays homage to the region’s Mayan ancestry, with one of the most popular events being the Reina De La Costa Maya pageant. Seven of the eight regional contestants are already in the country. News Five found the beauties at the Belize City House of Culture this morning where they were taking part in a photo shoot along with the reigning queen, Maria Jeffery.
Maria Jeffery, Reigning Miss Reina De La Costa Maya
“I had a great year as the reigning Miss Costa Maya. Luckily, since I live in Belize I was able to work with them much more than the other queens had. I don’t know if you heard but I also went to Tabasco, Mexico to give some donations to flood victims over there. I also got to distribute some books to children all around the district with the Lions Quest and I got to go to the Independence day in San Pedro, which was very nice because I never celebrated independence out there. I also participated in one of their boat parades. So if you talk to one of the other past Miss Costa Maya’s they cant tell you they did any of that so I guess I had very luck year. Beautiful girls this year and I wish them all the luck and I hope that everybody will be able to come out and celebrate this event with us.”
Miss Mexico, Natalia Ruiz
“Hi I’m Natalia Ruiz and I’m from Mexico. I have twenty years old. This is a challenge for me because I’m a Mexican and I am proud to represent my country. Although it’s a challenge, I plan to have fun and enjoy Belize.”
Miss Nicaragua, Karina Gordon
“Hello Belize my name is Karina Alexandra Gordon Hudson, I am eighteen years old and I am proudly representing Nicaragua. I’m a student and part time I do modelling in my country.”
Miss Guatemala, Jennifer Chioc
“Hola, soy Jennifer Chioc, tengo veinte-cinco años y represento el a la maravioso pais de Guatemala. It’s very important for me to participate in this Costa Maya pageant because I like to visit many places. I love being in my neighbouring country because the people here are friendly and hospitable, just like in my own country and I would love to be the new Miss Costa Maya.”
Miss Panama, Emelia Solis
“Hola, mi nombre es Emelia Solis del pais de Panama con veinte-dos años. I hope to have a good time here. I have just been in Belize for a day and I feel very happy. We have seven more days to go and we’ll see how it goes.”
Miss El Salvador, Daniela Augspurg
“Hi, my name is Daniela Augspurg and I represent El Salvador. I’m very excited to be here in Belize and to meet the other girls.”
Miss Belize, Jessie Medina
“Hello Belize, my name is Jessie Medina, I’m twenty-five years old. I’m representing this beautiful country of Belize.”
Jose Sanchez
“What does winning this title mean to you?”
Jessie Medina
“It means a lot because this crown has to stay here. My whole people at Orange Walk is expecting me to win so I cannot left my people bad so.”
Miss Costa Rica, Maria Quesada
“Hi, my name is Maria Quesada. I’m glad to be here in Belice. I’m representing the beautiful country of Costa Rica, I have twenty-six years old. I work in marketing and I have a degree in advertisement. Besides, I’m a model and I love to spend time with my nephew going to the beach, play volleyball; a lot of good stuff. For all the Belizeans there is a saying in Costa Rica that is for say hello or say goodbye that is “pura vida Belice.”
The Reina De La Costa Maya International Pageant takes place on Thursday. Miss Honduras, Alejandra Mendoza, is scheduled to arrive in Belize on Saturday.
