January
KREM NEW YEAR´S CYCLING CLASSIC: This annual cycling race is one of Belize’s most anticipated cycling events of the year. Taking place on 1st January, the race starts in Corozal District for the elite and Orange Walk District for juniors and finishes in Belize City.
Febrruary
SAN PEDRO CARNIVAL: Taking place on the three days leading up to Ash Wednesday, this carnival celebrates the beginning of Easter season.
PLACENCIA SIDEWALK ART AND MUSIC FESTIVAL: Many artists from around the country descend on Placencia to showcase and sell their creations. Handmade items include: jewelry, sculptures, clothing and pictures. Booths sell local foodstuffs and live bands add to the vibrant atmosphere.
March
LA RUTA MAYA BELIZE RIVER CHALLENGE: Is an arduous, four-day cross-country canoe race. Starting in San Ignacio, and ending in Belize City, the contestants paddle east along the Macal and Belize Rivers, following what was once the only link between San Ignacio and the port of Belize City. This is a race for everyone, not just professional racers.
CROSS-COUNTRY CYCLING CLASSIC: This annual cycling event attracts international and Belizean enthusiasts and is held on Holy Saturday. Competitors start early in the morning in Belize City and head west to San Ignacio and back, covering approximately 142 miles.
BURRELL BOOM HORSE RACING: Burrell Boom in the Belize District is one of the few places in the country with a track for horse racing. The main annual all day meeting is held on Easter Monday, although there are also races on Boxing Day. There are races for various classes, held over different distances.
April
SAN PEDRO LAGOON-REEF ECO-CHALLENGE: This 42-mile, two-day kayak race starting on the lagoon side of Ambergris Caye, runs through the many lagoons in the Northern Ambergris Caye area, up to Bacalar Chico, then down to Robles Point, where all teams camp. The race ends in San Pedro Town.
SEMANA SANTA IN BENQUE: In the days leading up to Easter Sunday, the streets of the western border town of Benque Viejo del Carmen are transformed with “carpets” of brightly colored sawdust, which are later trampled underfoot by the traditional processions depicting Christ’s Passion.
BOOK WEEK: The Belize Book Industry Association organizes activities aimed to promote publishing and reading in Belize. Events take place in different locations and are well publicized.
May
CROOKED TREE CASHEW FESTIVAL: Held in Crooked Tree Village, this Festival celebrates the cashew harvest season. Live “brukdown” music, cashew wine, desserts, Caribbean-style dishes and games are the main attractions. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL AND TRADE SHOW: This trade show is held annually in the capital city of Belmopan. It highlights agricultural diversification, rodeo, livestock, handicraft displays, music, games and food. THE CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL OF BELIZE: The Festival opens on a Friday with the “Wine and Chocolate Night”. The “Taste of Toledo-Street Fair” follows on Saturday, with chocolate demonstrations and a host of cacao-related activities for all ages. The festival finale takes place on Sunday, when traditional Maya dances, cultural musical performances and a host of local chocolate products can be enjoyed.
June
SAN PEDRO, PLACENCIA AND CAYE CAULKER LOBSTER FESTIVALS: In celebration of the opening of the lobster season, these three destinations offer a variety of tasty lobster dishes and lobster inspired activities. HOPKINS MANGO FESTIVAL: The southern village of Hopkins comes alive in celebration of the season with all-things mango. Enjoy the local games, cultural performances, live music, food, and drinks for the entire family.
July
BELIZE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL: This festival showcases the best of local and international films of all genres such as documentary, drama, and music videos. Films are usually shown in more than one location throughout the week, ending with a formal awards ceremony. Look out for published schedules.
BENQUE FIESTA: Benque Fiesta is a celebration of Mestizo and Maya cultures held in Benque Viejo Town, Cayo District. Attractions include cultural performances, fireworks, games, local food and beverages and mechanical rides.
FIESTARAMA: This grand celebration is held in Orange Walk District, features local businesses, cultural entertainment, and an abundance of tasty food and drinks.
August
INTERNATIONAL COSTA MAYA FESTIVAL: Held in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, this festival attracts local and international artists from all over the Americas who come together to put on a multicultural spectacle for a celebratory week of dance, music, pageants, food and drinks.
SAN JOAQUIN FESTIVAL: The Catholic Church and Village Council of San Joaquin in Corozal District organize this threeday festival in honor of the village’s patron saint. Highlights include cultural presentations, mechanical rides, live music, food and drinks.
TRES PESCADOS SLAM TOURNAMENT: Local and international anglers descend on San Pedro for this three-day annual event held early in August, each one hoping to achieve the fly-fishing Grand Slam of bonefish, permit and tarpon.
September
CARNIVAL ROAD MARCH: This colorful and lively march through the streets of Belize City includes fantastic costumes and plenty of music highlighting our many cultures.
SEPTEMBER 10TH: This public and bank holiday celebrates the Battle of St. George’s Caye. Official ceremonies, citizens’ parades and street bram are held nationwide, with food and live music for everyone to enjoy.
SEPTEMBER 21ST: This public and bank holiday commemorates the country’s Independence. Independence Day ceremonies and parades are held all over the country. Numerous cultural, religious and sporting events also take place.
October
November
BATTLE OF THE DRUMS: This event in Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District, is a celebration of the traditional Garifuna drumming and culture. The actual Battle of the Drums is a drumming competition, which allows local and regional drumming groups to compete and showcase their musical talent in five different categories of Garifuna music.
TACO FESTIVAL: This food and music festival held in Orange Walk Town attracts taco enthusiasts from all over Belize. As well as tacos of many varieties, there is live music, a canoe race and games for everyone.
GARIFUNA SETTLEMENT DAY: Also a public and bank holiday, November 19th marks the arrival of the first Garinagu to Belize. It is celebrated in all Garifuna communities in the country. The re-enactment of their early morning arrival in traditional dories is the main attraction, with religious activities and cultural parades continuing for the rest of the day.
December
HOLIDAY BOAT LIGHTING PARADE: During the holiday season
on Ambergris Caye, boats are decorated and sail from Boca del
Rio to Coconuts Hotel in San Pedro. Prizes are awarded to the
most creatively designed boats. The award party provides fun for
the entire family.
