CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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The following is a schedule of top seasonal Belizean events held throughout the year. If you wish to participate in any of the events, please confirm the actual date in local newspapers. Note, that dates may be changed due to weather conditions.
JANUARY
New Year's Day (Kren New Year's Cycling Classic) Race starts in Corozal Town and ends in Belize City. This New Year's Day road race starts in Corozal Town and ends in Belize City. The competitors are mostly Belizeans, although Guatemalan and Mexican teams occasionally enter. The winners usually take around 3-1/2 to 4 hours to cross the finish line; crowds usually form at the start and finish points. January 1st.
Horse Race in Burrel Boom - Horse racing is very popular in Belize, with races happening for most of the major holidays. On January 1st, people from all over the country visit Burrel Boom for a full day of celebrations as they cheer on their favorite horses.
FEBRUARY
International Billfish Tournament - Sponsored by Raddison Fort George and Esso, it is an International tournament held annually, where they display the heaviest fish blue and white marlin, sail fish, and bill fish.
Valentine Classic Cycle Race - This race, sponsored by Belize Telemedia Limited, starts in Belmopan, makes its way to Benque Viejo, then back to Belize City and ends at the Constitution Park.
Fiesta De Carnival - Nationwide celebrations and dance competitions one week before lent. Larger towns have parades and dance competitions. In San Pedro watch out, that you don't get painted.
San Pedro Carnival - Fun in the sun on La Isla Bonita.
Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival - Every year Placencia's sidewalks come alive with the best artwork Belize has to offer! This event will takes place in February each year and is sponsored by the BTIA Placencia chapter.
MARCH
La Ruta Maya Canoe River Challenge - Four day Canoe Race which starts from San Ignacio in the Cayo District and ends at Swing Bridge in Belize City. This four day canoe race-retracts the route of the ancient Mayans. .
Baron Bliss Day - National Celebration of Belize's Greatest Benefactor. The greatest festivities are held in Belize City; which hots a regatta, as well as horse and foot races. San Castillo Belmopan Cycling Classic - Sponsored by Santiago Castillo, this race goes from Belize City to Belmopan and back. Annual Agricultural & Trade Show - Held in Belmopan, Orange Walk Town and nearby Chan Pine Ridge every two years. Livestock hand crafts, traditional costumes and dances. Trade & Livestock Show - Held in Belmopan at the National Agricultural Showgrounds every other year, the last weekend in March features Rodeo. APRIL
Good Friday in Ambergris Caye & Caye Caulker - Beginning at 3 p.m. villagers participate in procession carrying the cross through town.
Holy Saturday Cycling Classic - Easter Cycling Classic Held annually from Belize City to San Ignacio Town and back, ends at the National Stadium. Easter Fair Entertainment - Held during the Easter Weekend in San Ignacio Town, this even features entertainment, live music, sports activities and family games. Whale Shark Day - A host of activities are held in Placencia to bring in the whale shark season. San Pedro Lagoon Reef Eco-Challenge - This 42 mile eco-challenge consists of a two day kayak race that begins on the lagoon side of Ambergris Caye. The race finishes in Central Park, San Pedro Town. San Jose Succotz Fiesta - Local fair, entertainment for kids, food, marimba music. MAY
May 1st Labor Day - After a national address by the Prime Minister or Minister of Labour (carried on all local radio and television stations), the rest of Labour Day is filled with street celebrations, reggatta, and horse races. Horse Race (Burrell Boom and Orange Walk Town) and BWU Labor Cycling Classic.
Crooked Tree Cashew Festival - Celebrating the cashew harvest, this weekend celebration features local booths selling everything possible under the sun made with this coveted nut, including cashew wine and cashew jelly. Live music and general revelry accompany the celebrations. First weekend in May. National Agricultural & Trade Show - This Trade Show is held annually in our capital city of Belmopan. It highlights agricultural diversification. This national fair is geared toward farmers, cattle ranchers, large scale agro-business, and buyers, but it's still an interesting event to tour or visit if you're in the country at the time mid-May. May 10th, Mother's Day Cycling Classic - Race starts in Cayo, to the border and back to Belize City. May 23rd-25th, Toledo Cacao Festival - The festival opens with a wine & chocolate evening. Saturday is the Taste of Toledo Cookery and Craft fair. Punta Gorda Chocolate lovers should head to southern Belize in late May for this festival. In addition to food and desserts, there are concerts, games, parades and tour activities planned. May 24th-25th, Monkey River Festival - The country's leading Creole event; throughout the day there will be traditional games for adults and children. MAY 25th, Sovereign's Day (in lieu of Sunday 24th May) National celebration of the Queen's Birthday with horse race in Burrell Boom and Orange Walk District. Cayo Expo (San Ignacio) Display of local crafts and products Coconut Festival (Caye Caulker) Food, beverage, crafts, parade with prize for floats. JUNE
San Pedro Lobster Festival - San Pedro celebrates the lobster season with a full week of activities.
Caye Caulker Lobster Festival - Not to be outdone by Placencia, Caye Caulker also puts on a long weekend celebration of the start of lobster season. Food, music, and dancing are all served up in hearty portions around town. Placencia Lobster Festival - During this extended weekend celebration of the opening of lobster season, this beach town pulls out all the stops. There's plenty of lobster to be had in a variety of preparations, at temporary outdoor stalls and restaurants around town. There are also concerts and dancing and an arts fair. Activities such as fishing tournaments, bicycle races will be held, music and drinks and ALL lobster dishes will be available. DIA de San Pedro - This is a three (3) day celebration of the island's patron saint, Saint Peter or San Pedro. Boats are blessed, and there are parades and processions. Day 1 Opening day and karaoke contest. Culture evening, fishing tournament. Day 2 Fishing tournament, festival, beach party, midnight fireworks Day 3 Misa de Gallo, early morning boat parade, boats & fisherman are blessed, street procession JULY
Benque Viejo Fiesta - Nine days of prayer and celebration honoring the Patron Saint.
Pibil Fest - A host of activities is held in the village of Progresso, where the highlight is the Pibil ( A traditional way of cooking pork). AUGUST
August 6th-9th - International Costa Maya Festival - This is perhaps the largest festival in the country. Drawing participants from the neighboring countries of El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, this celebrations features a steady stream of live concert performances, street parades, beauty pageants, and water shows and activities. Held in Ambergris Caye, the festival hosts Int'l music groups, cultural dances, international cuisine and arts & crafts.
Deer Dance Festival (San Antonion) Toledo District - This 9-day Mayan festival is celebrated in the small Maya village of San Antonio. highlights include costume and dance performances. Late August to early September. This week long celebration includes re-enactments, costumes, homemade harps, and violins. Tres Pescado Slam Tournament - In San Pedro for Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish. Taste of Belize - The culinary event - August 29th SEPTEMBER
Independence Day - Patriotic parades and official celebrations are mixed with street parties, beauty pageants, and open-air concerts.
Flag Raising Ceremonies - Official Independence Day ceremonies and Parade Queen of the Bay Pageant - Belize City Center Miss San Pedro Pageant Fire Engine Parade - In Belize City Carnival Road March - March makes its way through the streets of Belize ending at the Marion Jones Stadium where the various groups perform to determine the best carnival band. Carnival King & Queen - Marion Jones Stadium Battle of St. George's Caye Day - Public & Bank Holiday, ceremonies, Citizen's Parade and Fair are held. Tribute to Belizean Patriots Mr. Belize Body Building Competition Military, Police & Fire Tatoo Belize Exp - SJC Gymnasium Annual Lionman Triathlon OCTOBER
Pan American Day - Formerly known as Columbus Day, this day now celebrates mestizo and Mayan culture with parades, street fairs, and concerts. Nationally celebrated with a horse race & cycle race.
Belikin Spectacular - Fishing Tournament Billfish tournament with spectacular prizes. Sponsored by the Belize Game Fish Association. Bird Watching Festival - Annual NOVEMBER
Garifuna Settlement Day - The greatest Garifuna celebration occurs in Dangriga, where Garifunas from across Belize and throughout the region gather to commemorate their arrival from St. Vincent in 1832. This is mainly celebrated in Southern Belize. Street parades, religious performances are all part of the celebrations throughout the southern coastal zone.
Stann Creek Agricultural Fair - Exhibits of livestock and locally grown fruits and vegetables. DECEMBER
Annual Christmas Boat Parade (San Pedro) Parade of boats, decorated with Christmas lights.
December 25th (Christmas Day) Family Day, gift opening. December 26th (Boxing Day) While Christmas Day is predominantly for the family in Belize, Boxing Day is a chance to continue the celebration with friends, neighbors, and strangers. Dances, concerts, horse races, and general festivities are put on around the country. Horse race and cycle race in Burrell Boom Village. The Cycle race starts at Palotti High School in Belize City and ends at the Silverstre Stadium in Burrell Boom. |
WHERE TO STAY
Belize Budget Suites - Ambergris Caye
Pedro's Inn - Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Sunset Hotel - Ambergris Caye
Easy Inn - Belize City
Best Western Hotel - Belize City
North Park Hotel - Belize City
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