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Published: 19-04-2022
The Central American coastal country of Belize is known for its rich Latin heritage, stunning Caribbean shorelines and unique festivals and celebrations throughout the year in addition to the global events of Christmas and New Year's Eve. From the Belize Carnival held in February to the Deer Dance Festival in August, no matter what time of year you travel to this Central American country you'll find some way of joining the locals in celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Belize.
Carnaval
Carnaval (February)
Carnaval is held in Belize the week before lent. The most festive celebrations erupt in San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye, and feature a traditional flour fight, so don't be surprised if you emerge from the party covered in flour. Other aspects of this colourful celebration include singing, dancing, parades, a painting competition, and special group dances called comparas. Make sure you come prepared to get dirty as it is almost guaranteed to get covered in rainbow-coloured flour!
Carnaval
Easter
Easter in Belize is a full week of holiday called “Semana Santa” where visitors can expect nationwide shutdowns as Belizeans attend religious services and take family trips for holy week in the Catholic religion. Many towns and cities across Belize feature special re-enactments of the crucifixion, the most famous takes place in the town of Benque Viejo del Carmen in western Belize. Additionally, a cross-country cycling expedition is held over Easter week each year.
Easter festivities
Baron Bliss Day (March)
In honour of Sir Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss, the fourth Baron Bliss of Portugal who died off the shores of Belize from food poisoning after changing his will, leaving two million dollars to the country. Belize City holds sailboat races and horse races to celebrate this festival. Check out the Baron Bliss Memorial Lighthouse and Park in the Fort George area and visit the late Bliss' tomb as well in Belize city.
Baron Bliss lighthouse
Deer Dance Festival (August)
A unique Belize experience, is the Deer Dance Festival in the Mayan village of San Antonio in Belize's Toledo District. The event features a re-enactment of hunting a deer, followed by locals attempting to climb a greased pole.
Elaborate costumed head dancer
Belize Lobster Festival
Belize loves lobsters and so they should, given their spectacular coastline! There are a number of excellent lobster festivals across the country in June and July featuring kebabs, tacos and of course, fresh lobsters along with music, dancing and the welcoming icy cold beer. Lobster season starts in mid-June with the San Pedro Lobsterfest, then comes Placencia Lobsterfest, held on the last weekend of June. Last is Caye Caulker Lobsterfest in early July for the maximum party for lobster lovers.
Lobster barbecue Caye Caulker
Benque Viejo Del Carmen Fiesta (July)
On the Belize and Guatemala border town of Benque Viejo Del Carmen, this Festival begins on the 1st of July with a series of religious celebrations called Las Aboradas, followed by 15 days of fairground rides, pageants, parades, live music, and fireworks to create a unique party atmosphere.
Benque viejo del carmen
San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival (August)
Formerly known as the Sea and Air Festival, the Costa Maya Festival in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, is a five-day long Belize party that combines music, dance, food, and drink from the five "Mundo Maya" countries of Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.
Costa Maya Festival
St. George's Caye Day (September 10)
In honour of Belize's 1798 defeat of the Spaniards, the country celebrates with street festivals and a re-enactment of the battle. The spectacle includes the crowning of Miss San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, a children's bicycle race, a fishing tournament, a tug-of-war competition, accompanied with the usual excellent Belizean dishes and drink.
St Georges caye day
Belize Independence Day (September 21)
Belize continues to party on the 21st of September to commemorate the independence from England in 1981 with a series of parades, processions, and events.
Independence day parade
Garifuna Settlement Day (November 19)
