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.
Read moreChocolate 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.
Read moreEaster 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!
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 moreWhile Halloween (a holiday that marks the day before the Western Christian feast of All Saints, or All Hallows, and initiates the season of Allhallowtide) may be celebrated worldwide on October 31st where many dress in spooky costumes and give out candy, it also holds significant traditions for local cultures. October 31st is part of the traditional el Dia de Los Muertos or Los Finados. Prominently celebrated in Mexico, the Maya or Mestizo of Belize also celebrate October 31st as the day to celebrate the cycle of life and death. On this day, families observing this tradition set up alters to honor their ancestors, both those remembered and those long forgotten. Many believe the tradition dates to the ancient Maya, who believed there is life after death. Alters are lit up with candles, decorated with flowers, and offerings foods and drinks.
Read more“Hope Ignited, Hands United, Vision Renews: Belize@42!” Our theme for this year’s long-awaited September Celebration! If you have visited Belize during September, you probably know the festive and lively celebrations held throughout the month honoring our country’s independence. If there is one thing I can confidently say is that Belize proudly and patriotically celebrates its sovereignty. From concerts to parades and all manners of festivals, we don our colors of red, white, and blue to the tunes of drums, local cuisine, and plenty of revelry.
Read moreThe Belize Tourism Industry Association(BTIA) Toledo Chapter in collaboration with the Toledo Cacao Growers Association (TCGA) held its 15th Anniversary Chocolate Festival of Belize on May 19th and May 20th, 2023. The festival highlights the birthplace of cacao while celebrating cacao farmers, chocolatiers, and culture in style.
Read morePack your bags and book your flight, the dates for Belize’s Lobster Festivals are out, and you won’t want to miss out on these tasty festivals! Three destinations, plenty of entertainment, and some of the most delicious lobster meals around, all in celebration of the opening of the Spiny Lobster Fishing Season.
Read moreThe Easter Holidays are here, and we are ready for some island fun! A top destination for both Belizeans and foreign visitors, the 2023 Easter on La Isla Bonita is shaping up to be one of the best yet. There is plenty of activities for the whole family, from beach parties to egg hunts and live entertainment.
Read moreIn a sea of festive colors and to the sounds of Soca music, Belizeans across the country celebrate the most important day on our calendar, Independence Day. For the last two years, Belize’s special day celebrations were kept small due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year the festivities returned grander than ever!
Read moreAfter a COVID-19 pandemic pause for the last two years, Belize is preparing to host its popular September celebrations, again honoring the country’s month of patriotism. After public health restrictions were lifted in April this year, the National Celebrations Commission announced that they would resume the traditional events this September. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, the celebrations will be observed with patriotic parades, ceremonies for the Battle of St. George’s Caye and Independence Day, a Soca festival, and the anticipated carnival road march, among other activities still to be confirmed.
Read moreAlthough the Caribbean Spiny Lobster may have enjoyed a two-year reprieve from festivals dedicated to devouring them, the sorely missed lobster festivals are back! The lobster season officially opened on July first, and three different destinations in Belize are resurrecting their annual festivals dedicated to these tasty crustaceans.
Read moreCarnival is a time to show your love for your country, traditions, and culture. This year the festivity will see revelers by the hundreds or thousands, cheering on their favorite carnival band as they compete and have fun at the same time.
Read moreConsidering all the health and safety protocols, and to stimulate the economy, San Pedro’s local government hosts a monthly San Pedro Market Day. The event promotes local entrepreneurs by providing a safe market venue for both visitors and residents to visit.
Read moreWith plenty of fun entertainment and the usual ‘sun, sand and sea’ attraction, places like Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker and the Placencia Peninsula are key destinations. To make the most of your holiday getaway, we recommend some early planning.
Read moreIt didn’t matter that the sun was beating down along Miami Beach in the Corozal Bay. People were out and about, and all along a stretch of concrete walls, the sound of spraying, the smell of paint and the sight of colors came together.
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