Belize hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating the country’s diverse cultural heritage, traditions, and natural beauty. Here’s a comprehensive list of some of the most significant festivals and events in Belize:
Baron Bliss Day (March 9):
- Baron Bliss Day is a national holiday in Belize that honors the memory of Baron Bliss, a British philanthropist who fell in love with Belize and left a generous endowment to the country upon his death in 1926. The day is celebrated with boat races, regattas, and other maritime events.
Belize Carnival (September):
- Belize Carnival, also known as September Carnival, is a colorful and lively celebration held in September to commemorate Belize’s independence from British colonial rule. The carnival features vibrant parades, music, dancing, elaborate costumes, and street parties in major towns and cities across the country.
September Celebrations (September):
- September is a month of patriotic celebrations in Belize, marking both the country’s independence on September 21 and the Battle of St. George’s Caye Day on September 10. Festivities include flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, beauty pageants, and food fairs.
Chocolate Festival of Belize (May):
- The Chocolate Festival of Belize is a three-day event held annually in the Toledo District to celebrate cacao, Belize’s traditional chocolate-making heritage, and the country’s emerging chocolate industry. The festival features chocolate tastings, cooking demonstrations, cultural presentations, and tours of cacao farms and chocolate factories.
Placencia Lobsterfest (June):
- Placencia Lobsterfest is a popular seafood festival held in the coastal village of Placencia in June. The festival celebrates the opening of lobster season in Belize with live music, beach parties, games, and, of course, plenty of delicious lobster dishes prepared by local chefs and restaurants.
Garifuna Settlement Day (November 19):
- Garifuna Settlement Day commemorates the arrival of the Garifuna people, descendants of African slaves and indigenous Caribs, to Belize’s shores in 1832. The day is celebrated with traditional drumming, dancing, reenactments, cultural ceremonies, and delicious Garifuna cuisine.
Belize International Film Festival (November):
- The Belize International Film Festival is an annual event that showcases independent films from Belize and around the world. The festival features film screenings, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for filmmakers and film enthusiasts.
La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge (March):
- La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge is an annual canoe race that takes participants on a four-day journey along the Belize River, covering a distance of approximately 175 miles from San Ignacio to Belize City. The race celebrates Belize’s riverine heritage and promotes environmental awareness and conservation.
These are just a few of the many festivals and events that take place in Belize throughout the year, offering visitors and locals alike the opportunity to celebrate the country’s culture, history, and natural wonders.
