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Carnaval! Paint, music, dance, and lots of fun!

Experience the unique charm and rich traditions of La Isla Bonita, San Pedro, and Ambergris Caye during “El Gran Carnaval.” This lively celebration, deeply rooted in Mestizo culture, marks the beginning of the Lenten season with beach parties, local food, live entertainment, and the burning of Don Juan Carnaval, which symbolizes the cleansing of sins. Festivities start Saturday, March 1st, at the San Pedro Central Park Grand Street Festival.

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Upe Nai Cultural Center – A “Dream” Come True

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.

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Las Posadas: A Cultural Christmas Journey

Starting 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.

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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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Our traditions of honoring the dearly departed

While 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.

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Corn – A staple on Belizean Tables!

From 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.

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The many faces of Belize!

Belize 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.

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Making Bollos (Tamales)!

You 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!…

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¡Que viva el Carnaval!

Carnaval dates back to 150 years and is centered on a Mestizo character called Juan Carnaval.   The celebration of Juan Carnaval was brought to…

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