Belize is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, where the rich Latin heritage meets stunning Caribbean landscapes. Throughout the year, the country comes alive with a diverse array of festivals and celebrations that offer travelers a unique window into the heart of Belizean traditions, from lively street parades and culinary lobster feasts to profound historical and religious commemorations.
Whether you are looking to dance at the Costa Maya Festival, witness the colorful traditions of the Garifuna Settlement Day, or join the locals in the festive spirit of Carnaval, Belize offers an unforgettable cultural journey. Discover the best times to visit and immerse yourself in the authentic spirit of this Central American gem.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Garifuna Settlement Day (November 19)
Mostly concentrated in Belize's Garifuna communities, Garifuna Settlement Day celebrates the 1832 arrival of the Garinagu people in Dangriga, Belize by featuring a number of live music events. The civil rights activist Thomas Vincent Ramos, takes centre stage for this festival around the city of Dangriga, where exiles of the British army sought refuge.
