Just eight miles from Belize City, Saint George’s Caye is a hidden gem where history meets serenity. Once the site of the 1798 Battle of St. George’s Caye, today it’s a quiet escape of sandy paths, hammocks, turquoise seas, and star-filled skies. With no crowds, cars, or cruise ports—just a short private boat ride away—you’ll find the perfect place to unplug and slow down.
Read moreIn Belize, September isn’t just a month—it’s a feeling! This year’s theme, “Belize@44 – Stronger Together, Rising Forever,” captures the spirit of celebration. From Corozal to Punta Gorda and across the cayes, parades, concerts, fireworks, and flag-raising ceremonies unite the nation. Children march with pride, floats light up the streets, and families cheer with joy. September is Belize—colorful, proud, and forever festive.
Read moreOn Sunday, June 22nd, Eco-Museum Belize on northern Ambergris Caye came alive with color, culture, and community spirit as it hosted a lively fundraiser in support of the K’iinich Ahau Belize Pok ta Pok team from Yo Creek, Orange Walk. The goal? To help them get to the 6th Annual Pok Ta Pok Mundo Maya World Cup in Copán, Honduras!
Read moreTucked away in the sleepy village of Camalote, just five kilometers west of Belmopan, in the Cayo District, is the charming “Farmed to Perfection”, where magical things happen. The farm is one happy place, from harvesting honey and healthy products from the beehive to tilapia pools and gardens of bright flowers and herbs for the bees, rabbits, chickens, hogs, sheep, a few dogs and cats, and even guinea pigs.
Read moreWhat started as the usual family dinner on Sundays at the home of Philip and Leonila (Nila) Mai, Yucatec Maya who live east of the picturesque San Antonio Village in the Cayo District, evolved into a culinary and cultural destination after the community gravitated to their authentic, fire-hearth cooking.
Read moreAlthough English is the official language of Belize (thanks to British settlers and colonization in the 1800s) and is used in public education, government, and most media outlets, the country’s default language in many households is Kriol (Creole).
Read moreStarting on December 16th, the Catholic communities in Northern and Western Belize observe Las Posadas, which reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in Bethlehem. Over nine nights, this heartfelt tradition unfolds with prayers, hymns, and the warm hospitality of the neighborhood.
Read moreImagine the day when more indigenous Maya lived on Ambergris Caye than our current population of 20,000? Imagine the island dotted with thatched huts, salt processing sites, and coasts bustling with fishermen and dugout canoes laden with goods to trade, or how about the day, decades later, when our Caribbean waters brought Spanish explorers and pirates to our beaches? All this, along with the fascinating historical timeline of Ambergris Caye, comes to life when you explore the Eco-Museum.
Read moreThe Garifuna culture is one of the most vibrant in Belize, with a deep appreciation for music and dance and a strong commitment to preserving its heritage. The family-run “Isieni Gift Shop” in Punta Gorda reflects their dedication to celebrating Garifuna culture, and among its offerings, the shop proudly features its signature product: the original Isieni Doll.
Read moreBefore traveling to Belize or while you are here, reading is a great way to engage in the wonders of all things Belize. There’s something to read for all ages, and for young travelers, reading is a great way to introduce them to a new culture and excite them for their next adventure. There are countless books to recommend, but here are a couple we have enjoyed. Be you on a plane headed to Belize or enjoying beachside relaxation with a good book, through the pages, you are sure to be entertained while discovering an appreciation for our unique country and culture.
Read moreFor 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.
Read moreSome 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.
Read moreFolklore is any of the beliefs, customs, and traditions that people pass on from generation to generation. Much folklore consists of fairy tales, folk tales, legends, myths, nursery rhymes, proverbs, riddles, and superstitions. As soon as a people developed a writing system, they began to record folk stories. However, folklore does not have to be written down. Much folklore is passed orally from person to person. My Beautiful Belize embraces the many cultures that make up our community and we recognize the importance of preserving our heritage. Through the Lizard Tales column, our readers will enjoy some of this colorful folklore while in turn we preserve these tales for future generations.
Read moreSan 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.
Read moreA 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.
Read moreIt’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.
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.
Read more