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Posts By: Janelle Cowo

Los Finados, cultural belief in life after death

For many of our North American friends, October is synonymous with the arrival of fall, the excitement of costumes for the big Halloween party, and a fun night of trick-or-treating. However, for the Mestizo community in northern and western Belize, October is when we come together for the traditional celebration of ‘Los Finados.’ This celebration honors loved ones who have departed to the other world and is a time of unity and shared remembrance.

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Are you ready? It’s September Celebration time!

It’s that time of the year when all Belizeans are ready to jump up and wave our flag with pride. We are eagerly counting down to the start of our September Celebrations 2024! September is a month filled with holidays and celebrations in Belize.

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Feel the rhythm of steel pans and enjoy the vibrant Caribbean culture!

Some sounds can fill our minds with vivid details of a place as they replay in full color: the gentle waves lapping at the beaches in Hopkins Village, the chirping birds and the whistling breeze in the Mountain Pine Ridge, and, of course, the unique musical tunes that make Belize special. Many people, including myself, can’t live without sound and music. Music speaks a different language to every individual, and music lovers find themselves drawn to the sounds they grew up with. One of my favorite sounds is the rhythmic play of Steel Pans to classic calypso tunes.

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Island celebrations commemorate the growth of our La Isla Bonita!

San Pedro is a vibrant town that celebrates its rich history and culture. Two important events are held yearly to commemorate the growth and development of Ambergris Caye from a small fishing island to a bustling top tourism destination in Belize. The caye is the largest of Belize’s offshore islands, famous for its spectacular coral necklace, the Belize Barrier Reef, located just a short distance from its coast.

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Embracing its Maya heritage, Corozal Town is emerging as an eco-tourism destination

A peaceful coastal town located just south of the Río Hondo, which marks the border between Mexico and Belize, Corozal Town is considered one of Belize’s up-and-coming locations for retirees and those looking for an easy-going daily life. Corozal is home to a growing expatriate community, primarily residing in the northern tip of the town at Consejo Shores and along the seaside in the Sarteneja, Progresso, Copper Bank, and Chunox areas.

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Eat, drink, and enjoy Maruba Beach Klub at Secret Beach

The hour-long drive via golf cart from San Pedro Town is a memorable part of your day at the beach. And there’s no better place to enjoy the island time vibes than at Maruba Beach Klub, located at the entrance of Secret Beach.
Maruba Beach Klub is a favorite spot for many, offering cool vibes, fantastic food, and some of the best cocktails. But perhaps the best part of it all is the crystal-clear water, perfect for a day of endless beach fun.

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From Cocoa to Chocolate: Celebrate the Heritage of the Maya

Chocolate is a beloved treat enjoyed worldwide but holds significant cultural importance for many cultures. In Belize, the cacao plant used to make chocolate has a rich history and cultural significance for the Maya. Chocolate played a vital role in ceremonial beverages and ritual offerings for the ancient civilization, and their descendants still use the cocoa plant today to create some of the best artisanal chocolate.

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Tips for visiting Ambergris Caye on a budget $

We all dream of an island vacation, and there is no need to break the bank to get it. Even with limited resources, an adventure still awaits you in Belize. Here are some tried and tested tips to help you plan an affordable holiday on Ambergris Caye.

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Traditions rooted in religion: Hot Cross Buns for Easter

Easter is a religious time for many Belizeans, especially Catholics, who see it as a time to strengthen their faith and family bonds through traditional activities. Another time-honored Easter tradition in many Belizean households is baking. Serving hot cross buns on Good Friday is a beautiful (and delicious) way to enjoy the day with family, filling the kitchen with sweet and fruity aromas!

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Edward “Papo” Alamilla’s realism art depicts Belize’s natural beauty

With countless talented painters across Belize, island artist Edwardo “Papo” Alamilla stands out in mastering realism in his pieces. Throughout the years, Papo has amazed the art community by mastering his interpretation of the Belizean lifestyle. He paints what he sees daily, recreating memories of his past on canvas. From gorgeous marine life to lush jungles and scenes of San Pedro in its early days, Papo brings a sense of life to his art.

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Are you ready? Carnaval is here again!

It’s that time of year when San Pedro’s island traditions come alive during the El Gran Carnaval. Painting, dance, and music fill the streets as we celebrate the five days before the Lenten Season.
Carnaval is one of the most joyful, fun, and entertaining festivals on Ambergris Caye, and this year, it kicks off on Saturday, February 10th, with a grand Street Festival at the San Pedro Central Park.

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Lunch, dinner, and dessert for the whole family!

There are so many places to eat in San Pedro, and exploring new places is always fun. When dining out with the family, having options for both young and old is always nice. Here are some of our recommendations for a day out of eating with the whole family!

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Celebrating traditions – Christmas in Belize

Christmas and New Years are the most anticipated holidays, with many planning the celebrations far in advance. As a multi-cultural society, the festive end-of-year holidays are celebrated differently in every Belizean household. A feeling of joy, thankfulness, and anticipation fills the air as families come together to celebrate another year gone by.

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Shop Authentically Belizean products at 12 Belize

Belize’s diversity is reflected daily in its people. The way they live and the things they create, our country is brimming with talent and resources. 12 Belize celebrates that talent by selling authentically made-in-Belize products. Every product is uniquely Belizean, from lotions and creams to toys, jewelry, and accessories.

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Hudut, the flavor of the Garifuna Culture!

“Wаmúа, wаnісhіgu lubá ámuñеgü: óundаrunі hаmа nіburеіntіаn lun lаbаgаrіdu Gаrіfunа – Оur lаnd, оur сulturе, оur futurе: іnvоlvіng оur уоuth fоr Gаrіfunа ѕurvіvаl.” This is the powerful theme in which one of the most vibrant cultures will celebrate its 191st anniversary of arriving at the shores of Belize. Garifuna Settlement Day is celebrated annually on November 19th, a festival of drums and dancing honoring the Garinagu’s traditions and culture.

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Travellers Liquors launches Ruta Maya Rum Collection

Travellers Liquors continues to innovate Belize’s rum industry and recently released yet another exciting offering to its product line. Officially made available to the public on October 18, 2023, the Ruta Maya Rum Collections incorporates classic Belizean flavors to Travellers’ iconic rum blends. On Saturday, October 21, San Pedro’s industry partners were invited to sample these unique rum blends at an intimate launch party at Wine de Vine.

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