The International Costa Maya Festival is Belize’s biggest festival, and it is held right here on La Isla Bonita. Featuring international and local artists, it is a celebration of music, pageantry and culture. Already, there is a buzz about the upcoming Reina de la Costa Maya pageant, as well as international artists Los Pasteles Verdes and Kevin Lyttle. But throughout the three nights of festivities, there will be lots to enjoy, and a variety of music and dance performances to keep everyone happy.
Below is a schedule of planned events:
Thursday, August 2nd: Pageant Night
Hosted by Jennifer Chiong (Miss Costa Maya 2008) and the enigmatic island MC Eiden Salazar (Reef Radio), the Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant will certainly be a crowd pleaser. Entertainment for the night will include performances by Jael Jourianne August.
Jael has been onstage since the tender age of four, having enrolled with the Belize National Dance Company. She toured with the Ozzy & Friends Performance Show in 2011 and participated in this year’s National Festival of Arts held by the Institute of Creative Arts. In the summers of 2010 and 2011, she attended the Institute of Creative Arts/NICH Summer Arts Institute Vocal Workshop under the tutelage of Ms. Kellie Cadogan, singer and vocal trainer from Barbados. She is also an aspiring member of the Belize National Youth Choir.
Natalie Arceo will be stirring souls with her melodious voice onstage once more at Costa Maya on Thursday night as well. Natalie is a powerhouse vocalist, with a range of styles that certainly make her a crowd pleaser. Also hitting the stage for interpretive dance and show will be the Ballet de Cámara de Quintana Roo, as well as the Nu Generation Dance Company. Of course, the grand finale will be the crowning of the new Miss Costa Maya! The after-party will be under the Belikin tent, so bring your dancing shoes to party into the wee hours.
Friday, August 3rd: Music and Culture Night
The official opening ceremonies will be led by guest speakers and honorees, and followed by the traditional Flag presentation, done by the Nu Generation Dance Company. Providing traditional Mayan dances will be the Ballet de Cámara de Quintana Roo. Nu Generation will also be back on stage performing their smooth moves for the crowd. The popular Grupo Crash from El Salvador will be back this year with their fantastic choreography and high energy.
Adding a little bit of rock will be The Remaining, a cover band that will be performing songs from Paramore, Evanescence, 30 Seconds to Mars, The Cranberries and much, much more! They will be followed by the ever energetic, always rhythmic Berne Velasquez. Following him will be the highly anticipated Kevin Lyttle. Lyttle hails from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and he found stardom with his 2001 soca ballad “Turn Me On”. He will definitely be turning on the heat Friday night at Costa Maya! Tuff E Nuff sounds will be adding fuel to the fire after Lyttle’s performance, making for an after-party to remember.
Saturday, August 4th: International Night/Noche Internacional
Grupo Crash will once again be warming up the stage with their energetic performances on Saturday night, and they will be followed by The Island Bella Donnas. Grupo Divash, a Guatemalan dance troupe, will be performing on stage as well. Former Miss Costa Maya Gabriela Asturias is a member of Divash, and she will be onstage once again, this time, providing fantastic entertainment! Afterwards, El Salvador’s Ian Manuel Somosa will be serenading the crowd with his covers of popular ballads.
Belize’s very own Corozalsa will then take the stage with their unique salsa/merengue style. Corozalsa has worked hard for the past two years understanding the intricate rhythms of this genre of Latin music and has now blossomed into a salsa band in Corozal Town. It is in fact, the only full-fledged to be formed here in Belize.
Of course, they all lead up to the International Artists, Los Pasteles Verdes from Peru. Los Pasteles Verdes are renowned throughout Latin America, especially after their first hit “Angelitos Negros”. This hit preceded their debut album “Recuerdos de Una Noche”. Other significant hits include “Hipocresia” and “Esclavo y Amo”. It will be a soulful night indeed.
Sunday, August 5th: Dia De Playa
Taking advantage of the sun and sand, Costa Maya will once again hit the beach with fun games, lots of good music and of course, cool drinks and yummy food for a fun family day. There will be beach volleyball and other sports competition along with DJ Mauricio and Grupo Divash performing one again. Be sure to swing by and enjoy!
The gates will be opened at 7:00PM every night, and everyone is urged to be seated by 7:30PM. Tickets are available at the following prices: Season Pass – Kids: $50, Adults: $125. Thursday Night: Kids – $20, Adults – $45; Friday Night: Kids – $30, Adults – $60; Saturday Night: Kids – $20, Adults – $75. Sunday is a free fun family day! Get your tickets at any of the usual outlets: Milo’s Center, Milo’s Ice, Wally’s Electrical (Leni Nuñez), Angel Valdez (Post Office), The Reef Radio, Emerita Muñoz, Oh Danny Boy Tours, La Divina Providencia, Caye Supplies and with Cruzita Salazar (behind Rocks). You can also call the Costa Maya office at 226-4163 to find out more.