Organizers of the 51st Fiesta del Mar have announced the names of the nine beautiful women from outside Colombia who will participate in its international beauty contest.
This year’s contest, held from the July 28 to August 1, will see the international contenders clash with local stunners for the title of “National and International Queen of the Sea.” Would-be queens will have to show off their aquatic skills and take part in a bathing suit pageant to lay claim to the Sea Queen’s crown.
19 year-olds Tessy Lyddell and Kiara Rodriguez Lugo will represent the U.S. and Puerto Rico respectively. El Salvador’s candiate, the voluptuous model and diving expert Mayra Aldana, will draw a wave of attention. Poland’s secret weapon is the leggy blonde Kinga Johnson.
Despite diplomatic tensions between Colombia and its eastern neighbor, Venezuelan jetski expert and swimmer, Maria Irene Camacho, will no doubt win the locals’ admiration. Cuban model Vigli Viquillon, whose other talents include swimming and snorkeling, will represent Fidel Castro’s island.
Aquatic ballet star and swimmer, the Ecuadorean Carolyn Victoria Zambrano Delgado will grace the capital of the Magalena with her moves. Whereas business and marketing student, Coralie Teraiefa from Taihiti, will be examined on her kayaking and waterskiing skills.
The ninth participant, 21 year-old Sheyla Lera from Spain, was unable to take part.
The women will be judged by an actress, a designer, a dentist, and Exxon Movil’s head of political affairs, Ignacio Noguera.
Along with the beauty contest, the Fiesta del Mar’s highlights will include the National Beach games, a floats parade through Santa Marta on July 30 and a celebration of the 485th anniversary of Santa Marta’s founding.