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What 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 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 moreChristmas 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 moreFrom simple corn tortillas to tamales and tamalitos, we love corn. We even consume it in traditional drinks such as atole and pozole. Not only is corn a staple in the Belizean diet, but its cultural significance is a major source of pride.
Read moreMaybe it’s the cultural significance, knowing that our grandmothers and great-grandmothers labored outside on the fogon (fire hearths) to provide delicious meals for their families?
Read moreHalloween may now be a joyous day where children and adults alike dress up and have a jolly time, but there may be a darker side to it.
Read moreCorn tortillas are made from masa (a cornmeal dough), pressed down into flat circles and then baked them over a hot comal (a smooth, flat griddle).
Read moreConsidered a primarily Mestizo dish, the relleno consists of a mixture of chicken, pork or beef, eggs, and the unique black recado.
Read moreBelize has rich cultural roots, and the many faces that make up its population can be sorted into 7 (official) ethnic groups: Mestizo, Maya, Creole, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonites, and Chinese.
Read moreIn a country with diverse cultures you can just imagine the diversity of the dinner table as well. Belize is indeed a melting pot of…
Read moreSilvina Novelo de Moh has been teaching dance, specifically, Mestizo Dance, for 26 years. It’s a cultural tradition that adds to the charm of Belize.
Read moreComing from Northern Belize, I am more than familiar with the traditional dances of the Mestizo. I started dancing at the age of two, learning…
Read moreYou can’t possibly come to Belize and not try a bollo! That would be like going to the beach and not getting into the water!…
Read moreCarnaval dates back to 150 years and is centered on a Mestizo character called Juan Carnaval. The celebration of Juan Carnaval was brought to…
Read moreThe Hog Head or Cabeza Del Cochino is one of the liveliest traditions in the Mestizo culture that is still practiced today. The tradition of…
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