Costa Maya Kicks Off with Noche San Pedrana

The long awaited Costa Maya Festivities kicked off in fine island fashion with the annual Noche San Pedrana held last night. Hosted by the San Pedro Lion's Club for the third consecutive year, the Lion's put out the welcome mat for La Reina de la Costa Maya Pagaent Contestants and the San Pedro community joined in greeting the young ladies to the Isla Bonita for a night of entertainment, dinner, fashion and dance.

The evening began with an address by reigning Costa Maya Queen 2010, Maritza Rivas.

One by one the Pageant Contestants were escorted to the stage and introduced to the applauding crowd.

Miss Belize, Liliana Mia Nuñez

Miss Nicaragua, Claudia Alejandra Trejos Gadea

Miss Guatemala, Gabriela Asturias

Miss Costa Rica, Krysia Ortiz Campos

Miss Honduras, Nicole Yaret Hawit

Miss Mexico, Priscilla Pastrana Lopez

Miss Panama, Yosibell Sánchez Espino

Miss El Salvador, Diana Ingrid Martinez Pineda

The Contestants, with Costa Maya Queen 2010 (center) and flanked by Miss San Pedro Lion's Club, Alexis Guerro (far left) and Miss San Pedro Rachelle Badillo (far right)

San Pedro Lion's Club President, Melanie Paz, extended a warm greeting to the Contestants.
The crowd was then treated to a fashion show where several clothing stores and boutiques on the Island showcased their designs. beautifully modeled by the Contestants.

After dance performances by the San Pedro Dance Company the crowd enjoyed a delicious dinner of roasted chicken with all the trimmings.

After dinner Rompe Raja provided jammin' music where Contestants got to dance with the crown and mingle.

Before the night ended the ladies were given a gift from the San Pedro Lion's Club, a very appropriate beach towel with the map of Belize on it!

Be sure to attend the much anticipated La Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant this Thursday night!

TONIGHT...

Also on the agenda for tonight is the grand opening of Hidden Treasure restaurant at Coral Beach Hotel on Barrier Reef Drive.

Lion's Club hosts Noche San Pedrana

On Saturday night, sponsors of Costa Maya, Reina de la Costa Maya contestants and special guests were treated to a night of entertainment, food and cultural exchange. The lovely “Noche San Pedrana” evening is an annual tradition to formally greet the Reina de la Costa Maya participants and to honor the sponsors who are so essential to the success of the four day event. This years Noche San Pedrana was taken up a notch and the San Pedro Lions Club lived up to its promise to host a one of a kind event for all. With the Lion’s Den sporting a whole new look, and a fresh coat of purple and gold paint, the night brought out a crowd eager to see and meet the La Reina de la Costa Maya contestants. With an all you can eat rice and beans buffet, live entertainment by Rompe Raja, Natalie Arceo, and a skit by Lion Mel and Kainie proved to be a night that won’t soon be forgotten. Here are the highlights of the event, read more in Thursday’s Costa Maya Edition of The San Pedro Sun.

The eight lovely ladies looked radiant all night long.

Reigning queen Maria Jeffery sashing the contestants.

Fans of Miss Guatemala, Jennifer Chiong.

Miss Panama strikes a pose with fan Johan from Belgium.

The Lion's Club hosted Noche San Pedrana which proved a raging success.

(l-r) Miss El Salvador, Miss Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Maya queen 2007 Maria Jeffery.

Miss Mexico, Miss Guatemala Universe, Miss Costa Rica and Miss San Pedro.

Singer, Natalie Arceo wowed the crowd with her renditions of Celia Cruz.

This young 'lad' was brave enough to dance with all the contestants.

Strike a pose ladies.

Dancing the night away with fans.

Miss Mexico, Natalia Alvarez sings along with the Rompe Raja band.