Your Ultimate Guide to Festivals and Events in Belize (Month-by-Month)
If you’re planning a trip and wondering when the best time to visit Belize is, we hope this guide to Belize festivals and events can help! Whether you’re craving cultural celebrations, music festivals, food fairs, or epic parades, Belize offers year-round events that showcase its rich culture, history, and vibrant communities. From Independence Day in September to Lobster Fests in summer, here are the top events in Belize you won’t want to miss!
Why Plan Your Belize Vacation Around Local Festivals?
Planning your trip around Belize’s local festivals is one of the best ways to experience the country like a local. You’ll enjoy authentic Belizean food, music, art, and traditions, while exploring beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and friendly towns. Whether you’re visiting for adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, these events give you a unique and unforgettable experience of Belize.
Month-by-Month List of Belize Festivals and Events
January: Kick Off the New Year Belizean Style
- New Year’s Day – Celebrate in town squares and beaches with fireworks and live music.
- KREM New Year’s Cycling Classic – One of the most famous cycling events in Belize.
- Horse Racing in Burrell Boom – A fun, family-friendly rural event.
- George Price Day – Honor Belize’s national hero with parades and ceremonies.
February: Celebrate Love, Art, and Carnival
- Valentine Cycling Classic – For sports lovers and adrenaline seekers.
- Orange Walk Run Festival – A great way to experience community energy.
- Carnaval de San Pedro – A must-see festival with colorful parades and paint parties.
- Placencia Sidewalk Arts & Music Festival – Perfect for art lovers and foodies.
March: Adventure and Heritage
- National Heroes & Benefactors’ Day – Commemorative parades and cultural events.
- Belikin La Ruta Maya River Challenge – A 4-day canoe race that’s a top adventure event.
- Maya Day – Dive into ancient Maya traditions and cuisine.
April: Easter and Eco Challenges
- Holy Week & Easter Processions – Spiritual and cultural processions.
- Holy Saturday Regatta – A thrilling sailing race.
- San Pedro Lagoon-Reef Eco Challenge – Perfect for eco-tourism lovers.
- National Agriculture & Trade Show – Belize’s largest fair, showcasing local crafts, food, and farming.
May: Coconut, Chocolate, and Cashew Festivals
- Labour Day Parades – City-wide celebrations.
- Caye Caulker Coconut Festival – Food, games, and coconut cocktails!
- Crooked Tree Cashew Festival – Try unique cashew wine and treats.
- Chocolate Festival of Belize – A foodie must-visit!
- Monkey River Festival – Great for nature and culture enthusiasts.
June: Mangos and Fishing Adventures
- Hopkins Mango Festival – Delicious mango creations in a beautiful seaside village.
- Grande Caribe Deep Sea Fishing Tournament – For fishing and ocean adventure fans.
- Another Day in San Antonio – Local music, food, and crafts.
July: Lobster Festivals You Can’t Miss
- San Pedro, Caye Caulker & Placencia Lobster Fests – Top reasons to visit Belize in July for lobster lovers!
- Benque Fiesta – Cultural celebrations with music and dancing.
- Belize International Music & Food Festival – Massive beach party with top DJs and food vendors.
August: Freedom Celebrations and Local Fairs
- Emancipation Day – Historical and cultural events marking the abolition of slavery.
- La Fiesta de San Joaquin – A great family event with local traditions.
- Banana Festival – Highlighting one of Belize’s top agricultural products.
September: Best Month to Visit Belize for Independence Celebrations
- Queen of the Bay Pageant – A cherished beauty pageant.
- Belikin Bash & Miss Universe Belize – High-energy national events.
- Carnival King & Queen, J’ouvert, and Road March – The biggest street parties in Belize!
- St. George’s Caye Day – Celebrations of Belizean history.
- Independence Day Parade – September 21 is a must-visit date for patriotic parades and fireworks.
October: Nature and Culture
- Indigenous People’s Resistance Day – Learn about Belize’s indigenous communities.
- Belikin Beer Blue Water Classic – Popular cycling race.
- Belize Birding Festival – A perfect event for nature lovers.
November: Drums, Film, and Food
- Battle of the Drums – Incredible Garifuna drumming competitions.
- Garifuna Settlement Day (Nov 19) – Essential cultural celebration with music, dancing, and food.
- Orange Walk Taco Festival – Celebrate the taco with the best flavors in Belize.
- Belize International Film Festival – Showcasing Belizean and international films.
December: Christmas in Paradise
- The Love FM Christmas Parade – Family-friendly fun.
- San Pedro Boat Lighting Parade – Magical holiday lights on the water.
- Maya Winter Solstice – Connect with ancient traditions.
- Christmas & Boxing Day – Local celebrations and family gatherings.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Belize?
If you’re wondering what is the best time to travel to Belize, it depends on what you want to experience:
- For Culture & Parades: Visit September for Independence Day and Carnival.
- For Food Lovers: Plan for July (Lobster Festivals) or May (Chocolate & Coconut Festivals).
- For Adventure & Eco Events: Try March (River Challenge) and April (Eco Challenge).
- For Holidays: December is magical for Christmas celebrations.
- For Weather: April & May offer warm temperatures and generally sunny days with less rain.
Ready to Plan Your Belize Vacation?
From traditional parades to exciting food festivals and cultural experiences, Belize has something for every traveler. Book your trip during one of these top events to make your Belize vacation unforgettable!
