Festivals in Belize

Belize and its different cultural influences is known as the most festive Central American country. All over the year, many festivities are organized to celebrate its cultural diversity. Here are some of the major festivals that you cannot miss during your trip to Belize.

Belize City streets are filled with colors and energy for this special event. Created after the slavery period of the country; today it has converted itself as a real Belizean culture symbol. Street shows, live music, typical gastronomy pace the day: a full moment of joy and traditions. This carnival is part of a two-week long festivities before Independence day.

Belize only has been independent for 40 years, which is celebrated every September 21st. In 1981, Belize became independent of the United Kingdom and officially became a unitary constitutional monarchy. However, they are still part of the Commonwealth and King Charles III is their ruler.

Every September 21st, Belizean people celebrate on the streets wearing their national colors – red, white and blue. They organize parades, live concerts, activities for children and adults. Being during the low season of tourism, you will be able to enjoy even more this typical festival of Belize.

Country with an astonishing ecological commitment, Belize organizes each year different events to highlight its biodiversity. One of its main focuses is tropical birds, as the country hosts more than 600 different species. In October, join the Belize Birding Festival, organized in Belize City. Many national conservation actors are present to host some conferences and panel discussions about the bird protection in Belize.

Since 2003, the Belize International Film Festival has taken place in Belize City to highlight Central America and Caribbeans productions. During this 4-day festival, it is more than 50 participants and 7 prizes are awarded: best feature narrative; best feature documentary; best short narrative; best short documentary; best student film; most notable Belizean film; best music video.

This national holiday was created in 1941 by Thomas Vincent Ramos, a Human Right activist. This bank holiday celebrates the arrival of Garifuna people in Belize, after being deported from the Grenadines archipelago by the British. The main festivities happen in Dangriga, where there are parades, concerts, traditional dances, etc.

February 8th & 9th, 2025 = Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival

The typical city of Placencia organizes each year their Arts Festival in the narrowest street in the world. The 1-kilometer long street fills during two days with all types of arts: music, paint, woodcarving, etc. Every creative person is welcome to this sharing-knowledge event. Artists from all over the country meet in Placencia and enjoy the mix of arts. It is the perfect moment to discover the Garifuna music, or the Belizean chocolate making process.

The typical city of Placencia organizes each year their Arts Festival in the narrowest street in the world. The 1-kilometer long street fills during two days with all types of arts: music, paint, woodcarving, etc. Every creative person is welcome to this sharing-knowledge event. Artists from all over the country meet in Placencia and enjoy the mix of arts. It is the perfect moment to discover the Garifuna music, or the Belizean chocolate making process.

Organized by the Tumlul K’in Center of Learning in Blue Creek Village, Maya Day is a festival that allows its participants to embrace the strong Mayan culture, the oldest population of the country, which now only represents 10% of the overall Belizean population. The southern part of Toledo is one of biggest Mayan descendent population regions of the country, where you can find the archaeological sites of Nim Li Punit, Lubaantún and Uxbenká.

Among the traditions carried during Maya Day, there is the Deer dance, representing the pre-colonized period between Spanish conquest. Dancers wear masks representing two Europeans and many hunted animals.

During the day, you will find games, tortillas confection workshops, marimba concerts, religious ceremonies: a reel experience between joy and tradition.

Each year, in the district of Toledo, the Chocolate Festival is organized. The region is mainly known for having preserved its strong Maya identity and this festival is a proof. Indeed, the cacao was a sacred product for Mayas. Many activities are organized: workshops, contests, sales, etc.