Dancing to the rhythmic beats of Garifuna drums, savoring the aroma of freshly cooked fry jacks, and witnessing the vibrant colors of traditional Mayan garments swirling through the streets—welcome to Belize, a country where every month brings a new reason to celebrate! Belize hosts over 20 major festivals annually, each offering a unique glimpse into the nation’s diverse cultural tapestry. In this guide, we take you on a journey through the most exciting year-round festivals and events in Belize. Get ready to mark your calendar and dive into an unforgettable adventure!
Planning Your Festival Adventure
– Book accommodations and flights early for popular events, especially during high season (November to April).
– Learn a few basic phrases in Kriol, the local language, to enhance your experience.
– Respect local customs and dressxcodes, particularly during religious events.
– Bring cash, as some rural areas may have limited card acceptance.
– Don’t forget to pack insect repellent, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes for outdoor festivals.
January
Ringing in the New Year
Start your year off right with Belize's vibrant New Year's celebrations! While the entire country comes alive with parties and fireworks, San Pedro on Ambergris Caye takes it to another level with their New Year's Eve Fireworks Extravaganza. For a truly Belizean experience, participate in the "Lucky Dip" tradition – locals open their homes to visitors, offering food, drinks, and warm hospitality.
Travel Tip: Book your accommodations in San Pedro well in advance, as it's a popular destination for New Year's Eve.
February
The San Pedro Lobster Festival
February brings the first of two annual Lobster Festivals to San Pedro. This gastronomic delight features culinary competitions, endless lobster tastings, and beachside entertainment. Local restaurants showcase their best lobster dishes, from grilled tails to lobster ceviche.
Travel Tip: Pair your lobster feast with local Belikin beer or a rum-based cocktail for the full experience.
March
La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge
Adventure seekers won't want to miss La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge, a grueling four-day canoe race spanning 170 miles of the Belize River. The race starts in San Ignacio and ends in Belize City, with thousands of spectators cheering along the way.
Travel Tip: Follow the race by car, stopping at various points along the river. Don't forget your sunscreen and bug spray!
April
Easter Celebrations: April's Religious and Cultural Events
April brings Holy Week, a time of religious processions and unique traditions. In Benque Viejo del Carmen, witness the creation of intricate sawdust tapestries lining the streets. For a mix of spirituality and fun, head to Placencia for the Easter Regatta, featuring sailing races and beach parties.
Travel Tip: Book accommodations early, as Easter is a popular travel time for both locals and tourists.
May
Cashew Festival in Crooked Tree
Experience rural Belizean life at the Cashew Festival in Crooked Tree Village. This event celebrates the cashew harvest with food stalls offering cashew wine, jams, and various dishes. Enjoy cultural performances and try your hand at cashew-themed competitions.
Travel Tip: Take a guided tour of the cashew farms to learn about the cultivation process.
June
The San Pedro Lobster Festival
June marks the official opening of lobster season with another Lobster Festival in San Pedro. This larger event features a week of lobster-themed activities, including the famous "Lobster Crawl" - a tour of local restaurants offering special lobster dishes.
Travel Tip: Participate in the lobster-eating contest for a chance at local fame and prizes!
June
Sweet Tropical Delights: Hopkins Mango Fest
As spring transitions into summer, the coastal village of Hopkins comes alive with the vibrant Hopkins Mango Fest. This juicy celebration typically takes place in early June, coinciding with peak mango season. The festival is a testament to Belize's agricultural bounty and the creativity of its people. Visitors can indulge in an astounding variety of mango-inspired delicacies - from traditional mango jams and chutneys to innovative mango cocktails and even mango-infused seafood dishes!
But the Hopkins Mango Fest isn't just about satisfying your sweet tooth. It's a full-fledged cultural extravaganza featuring local Garifuna drumming and dancing, arts and crafts exhibitions, and cooking competitions where local chefs showcase their mango mastery. The festival also includes educational components, with workshops on mango cultivation and preservation techniques.
Travel Tip: Come hungry and pace yourself! With so many mango treats to try, you'll want to save room to sample a wide variety. Also, don't miss the mango eating contest - it's as entertaining to watch as it is to participate in!
July
San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival
Immerse yourself in Mayan and Central American culture at the Costa Maya Festival. This international event features a beauty pageant with contestants from Central America and Mexico, cultural performances, and a marketplace showcasing local artisans.
Travel Tip: Don't miss the "Noche San Pedrana," a night dedicated to local culture and traditions.
September
Belize Independence Day Celebrations
September is Belize's most patriotic month, with celebrations for both St. George's Caye Day (September 10th) and Independence Day (September 21st). Expect parades, street parties, and a carnival in Belize City that rivals any in the Caribbean.
Travel Tip: Join locals in wearing the national colors - red, white, and blue - during the festivities.
October
Harvest Celebrations: Pan American Fair in San Ignacio
Experience Belize's agricultural heritage at the Pan American Fair in San Ignacio. This three-day event showcases livestock, produce, and traditional crafts. Enjoy cultural performances, sample regional cuisines, and browse local handicrafts.
Travel Tip: Try "caldo," a traditional Mayan soup, at one of the food stalls.
November
Garifuna Glory: Garifuna Settlement Day
November 19th marks Garifuna Settlement Day, celebrating the arrival of the Garifuna people to Belize. The highlight is the "Yurumein" - a reenactment of the Garifuna arrival by canoe. Expect drumming, dancing, and plenty of traditional food like hudut (fish stew with mashed plantains).
Travel Tip: Head to Dangriga or Hopkins for the most authentic celebrations.
Practical travel tips for Belize
Which language is spoken in Belize?
The official language of Belize is English, which is inherited from its history as a former British colony. However, many other languages are also spoken in the country. Spanish, a widely spoken language in neighboring countries, is spoken by a large portion of the population and is considered the main language for communication between different ethnic groups.
In addition to English and Spanish, several indigenous languages such as Mayan languages and Garifuna, a mix of West African and Arawak origins, are also spoken in Belize. These languages are an important part of the cultural identity of the indigenous communities and efforts are being made to preserve them.
What is the official currency in Belize?
The official currency of Belize is the Belize dollar (BZD). The BZD has remained relatively stable over the years and is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of BZ$2 to US$1. This makes it easy for tourists and investors to use and exchange foreign currency while in Belize.
US Dollars are also widely accepted, but I recommended having some BZD for smaller purchases and transactions. ATMs can be found in most towns and cities, dispensing both BZD and US dollars.
What is the best time to visit Hopkins?
Hopkins experiences quite heavy rain from June to September as anywhere in the Caribbean. This time is also considered hurricane season. The high season starts in November till February. The best time to travel is, without a doubt, shoulder season in June so that you can visit Mango fest or November for Garifuna Day!
Is Hopkins safe for travelers?
Hopkins is calm and pretty safe during the day. We have never felt unsafe, but we've also almost always been hanging out with our local friends. Be more careful at night and during Mango fest & Garifuna settlement day.
How can I protect myself from sandflies?
Once you get to Hopkins, buy some handmade coconut oil to protect yourself from sandfly bites! They are especially active during morning and evening hours.
How to get to Hopkins?
Depending on where you are coming from, the bus may stop directly in the center of Hopkins or at "Junction," about 5 km outside. Don't be shy. Locals passing by will surely give you a ride.
Festivals and celebrations
Hopkins has two significant events: Mango Fest in June and Garifuna Day Settlement on November 19th. The otherwise sleepy village bursts with life, drumming, food, and celebrations. Both events are major and not to be missed if you are in Belize!
Can I drink tap water in Belize?
In the towns, the water is supposedly drinkable. But as you will spend a lot of time on the water and Cayes in Belize, bring a water filter or a self-cleaning bottle to be safe and avoid causing plastic pollution. The bottles will keep your water fresh and cool, too!
What's the biggest challenge for the conscious traveler?
Eating fish: To protect marine life in Belize, fishing is regulated by seasons to guarantee the species' time to recover. Therefore, make a point of not eating lobster or conch when not in season! Conch season runs from October to June. Lobster season is from July to February.
Sunscreen: Protect the unique marine life in Belize, and always wear reef-friendly sunscreen. Check out our guide to coral-safe sunscreens here.
Plastic: Bring your self-cleaning bottle to avoid causing trash by consuming bottled water.
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