My Beautiful Belize Travel Blog

Travel Blog

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.

Travelers Are Putting Family First – Horseback Riding at Green Acres Ranch

In Belize, we see more families visiting our country, as we have so much to offer, including family-friendly accommodations and countless opportunities for fun and adventure. Horseback riding in the Cayo District is one of many adventures that will surely delight the child in all of us.

Friday night BINGO at the San Pedro Lions Den

Friday night bingo at the San Pedro Lion’s Den is the heart of community fun on Ambergris Caye. It is always thoroughly enjoyed and is highly recommended to visitors of La Isla Bonita who want to be part of a local, family-oriented tradition.

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.

Yes, Wee taak Kriol eena Bileez ~ Yes, we talk Kriol in Belize

Although 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).

Intimate Dining at Victoria House Resort & Spa

Sometimes, dinner is more than a meal; it is the stage set for a night to be remembered. Be it a private beach setting for a couple or small group to an intimate dinner in the seclusion of the thatched pier pavilion, the talented staff at Victoria House will create a magical evening not to be forgotten.

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.

Discover the rich history of Ambergris Caye while exploring the Eco-Museum

Imagine 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.

The Isieni Dolls – Spreading Love for the Garifuna Culture

The 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.

Reading Ready – Books about Belize for all ages

Before 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.

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.

Discover the Wonders of Birding at the 4th Annual Belize Birding Festival!

Did you know Belize has 585 bird species? The Belize Birding Festival celebrates our unique avian treasures with an annual event honoring our diverse and rich birdlife, attracting bird watchers, nature enthusiasts, and ornithologists worldwide. The festival typically takes place in October, and this year, the highly anticipated event will be held on October 5th at the Countryside Park in Spanish Lookout, Cayo District.

Make what you read a reality in Belize

There’s nothing more exciting than experiencing wildlife in Belize, especially if you’ve just read or are reading about it! Here are a few ways to safely and respectfully get up close and personal with our wild royalty.

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.

La Luna Spa: Massage magic at Victoria House Resort

We all have guilty pleasures when we indulge in something that brings us joy and happiness that might not be all that good or healthy for us or even our wallet. We treat ourselves to these personal gifts in moderation, making the “you deserve this” justification even more delicious. I used to think that spoiling myself with a massage was one of these things until I realized that the benefits, physically and mentally, are not a guilty pleasure but part of taking good care of my health.

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.

Joseph Pate awarded for his mixology skills and contributions to the tourism industry

On June 27, 2024, Joseph Pate, also known as “JoeDaBartender,” was honored by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) in Belize City for his exceptional bartending skills and his contributions to the tourism sector and community on Ambergris Caye. Pate has been devoted to the art of preparing mixed drinks since 2014 and has been creating craft cocktail drinks. He plans to continue contributing to the community by sharing his knowledge of barista skills and aims to expand his bar.