The Ultimate Guide to Belize Festivals and Events (Month-by-Month) — Best Time to Visit Belize
If you really want to experience Belize like a local, timing your trip around a festival is one cool way to do it! And if you don’t know when those festivals are taking place, we’ve put together this guide to Belize’s festivals and events to help! Whether you’re into cultural celebrations, music, food, or lively parades, Belize has something happening all year long. From the excitement of Independence Day in September to the famous Lobster Festivals in the summer, here are some of the best events that will give you a real taste of Belizean life – and maybe help you plan the perfect time to visit!
Month-by-Month List of Belize Festivals and Events
January: Kick Off the New Year Belizean Style
- New Year’s Day – Fireworks and Live Music on Beaches and Town Squares
Celebrate with fireworks, live music, and dancing in towns like San Pedro and Placencia. Beach bars and resorts host parties with great food and local drinks. - KREM New Year’s Cycling Classic – Belize’s Premier Cycling Race
Held on New Year’s Day, this famous race runs from Corozal to Belize City, drawing top cyclists and big crowds. A high-energy way to kick off the year! - Horse Racing in Burrell Boom – Family Fun in the Countryside
Enjoy traditional horse races, local food, and music in a festive rural setting. A great way to experience Belizean culture beyond the beaches. - George Price Day – Honoring Belize’s National Hero
On January 15th, parades and ceremonies celebrate George Price, Belize’s “Father of the Nation.” A meaningful day to learn about Belize’s history and independence.
February: Celebrate Love, Art, and Carnival
- Valentine Cycling Classic – For Sports Lovers and Adrenaline Seekers
A thrilling race for cyclists and spectators, this event draws top riders to compete on scenic routes around Belize. - Orange Walk Run Festival – Community Energy and Fun
Join locals for a festive run that celebrates health, fitness, and community spirit—perfect for visitors looking to engage with Belizeans. - Carnaval de San Pedro – Colorful Parades and Paint Parties
A lively, multi-day celebration with traditional dances, parades, and epic paint parties—San Pedro’s way of welcoming the Lenten season. - Placencia Sidewalk Arts & Music Festival – A Feast for Art Lovers and Foodies
Placencia’s famous seaside festival transforms its sidewalk into a showcase of Belizean art, crafts, music, and delicious local eats.
March: Adventure and Heritage
- National Heroes & Benefactors’ Day – Parades and Cultural Events
Held on March 9th, this day honors Belize’s national heroes with parades, concerts, and ceremonies that highlight the country’s rich history. - Belikin La Ruta Maya River Challenge – Belize’s Top Adventure Race
A legendary 4-day canoe race down the Belize River, attracting competitors and crowds for one of the country’s biggest sporting events. - Maya Day – Dive into Ancient Traditions and Cuisine
Held in Toledo District, Maya Day celebrates Maya heritage with traditional food, music, dances, and artisan crafts. A must for culture lovers!
April: Easter and Eco Challenges
- Holy Week & Easter Processions – Spiritual and Cultural Traditions
Across Belize, towns hold moving processions and ceremonies during Holy Week, blending faith and culture. - Holy Saturday Regatta – Thrilling Sailing Race
A beloved sailing event where local sailors compete in traditional sloops—great for watching from the shore. - San Pedro Lagoon-Reef Eco Challenge – For Eco-Tourism Lovers
A two-day kayak race through lagoons and reef areas, promoting conservation and adventure. - National Agriculture & Trade Show – Belize’s Largest Fair
Showcasing local crafts, food, and farming, this massive fair in Belmopan is a fun way to experience Belizean life.
May: Coconut, Chocolate, and Cashew Festivals
- Labour Day Parades – City-Wide Celebrations
On May 1st, Belizeans take to the streets with parades and festivities celebrating workers’ contributions. - Caye Caulker Coconut Festival – Food, Games, and Cocktails
Celebrate all things coconut with beach games, live music, and tropical treats in laid-back Caye Caulker. - Crooked Tree Cashew Festival – Unique Cashew Wine and Treats
A rural festival famous for cashew wine, jams, and delicious dishes—plus music and dancing. - Chocolate Festival of Belize – A Foodie Must-Visit
Held in Toledo, this festival honors Belize’s cacao heritage with tastings, tours, and chocolate-inspired cuisine. - Monkey River Festival – Nature and Culture Celebration
Explore Monkey River’s wildlife, enjoy local food, and connect with this close-knit community.
June: Mangos and Fishing Adventures
- Hopkins Mango Festival – Sweet and Savory Mango Creations
Sample mango everything—from sauces to desserts—while enjoying music and beach vibes in Hopkins. - Grande Caribe Deep Sea Fishing Tournament – Ocean Adventure
Anglers gather in Ambergris Caye to compete for the biggest catch in this exciting fishing challenge. - Another Day in San Antonio – Music, Food, and Crafts
A local village fair in San Antonio that showcases traditional foods, handmade goods, and live entertainment.
July: Lobster Festivals You Can’t Miss
- San Pedro, Caye Caulker & Placencia Lobster Fests – Lobster Lovers’ Paradise
Celebrate with lobster dishes, beach parties, and live music! Sirenian Bay and Ceiba Resort offer special Lobster Fest packages for travelers. - Benque Fiesta – Music and Dancing
A cultural celebration in Benque Viejo, featuring live music, parades, and traditional dances. - Belize International Music & Food Festival – Massive Beach Party
One of Belize’s biggest festivals with top DJs, concerts, and food vendors—perfect for a party by the sea.
August: Freedom Celebrations and Local Fairs
- Emancipation Day – History and Culture
Observed on August 1st, this day marks the abolition of slavery, celebrated with ceremonies and cultural events. - La Fiesta de San Joaquin – Family Fun and Traditions
A lively fair with games, rides, food, and cultural performances in the village of San Joaquin. - Banana Festival – Celebrating Belizean Agriculture
Held in South Belize, this event highlights bananas with food, music, and fun activities.
September: Best Month to Visit Belize for Independence Celebrations
- Queen of the Bay Pageant – A Belizean Tradition
A beloved beauty pageant celebrating grace, talent, and patriotism. - Belikin Bash & Miss Universe Belize – National Entertainment
Live concerts, pageantry, and lots of festivities—great for music lovers and partygoers. - Carnival King & Queen, J’ouvert, and Road March – Epic Street Parties
Dance and celebrate in Belize’s biggest street parades and paint parties. - St. George’s Caye Day – Honoring Belizean History
On September 10th, parades and ceremonies mark the historic battle of St. George’s Caye. - Independence Day Parade – Patriotic Parades and Fireworks
Held on September 21st, this is Belize’s biggest celebration, full of music, dancing, and national pride.
October: Nature and Culture
- Indigenous People’s Resistance Day – Honoring Belize’s Indigenous Communities
Cultural events and educational activities highlighting indigenous heritage and history. - Belikin Beer Blue Water Classic – Popular Cycling Race
A high-profile cycling event attracting riders from all over Belize. - Belize Birding Festival – A Must for Nature Lovers
Spot exotic birds and enjoy nature tours—perfect for birdwatchers and eco-travelers.
November: Drums, Film, and Food
- Battle of the Drums – Incredible Garifuna Drumming Competitions
Experience powerful Garifuna drumming, dancing, and culture in one of Belize’s most exciting events. - Garifuna Settlement Day (Nov 19) – Music, Dancing, and Food
A must-see celebration of Garifuna heritage with parades, traditional dances, and delicious food, especially in Dangriga and Hopkins. - Orange Walk Taco Festival – Belize’s Best Tacos
A fun food festival where local vendors compete to serve up the best tacos—perfect for foodies! - Belize International Film Festival – Belizean and International Films
Showcasing the best in local and global cinema, with screenings, workshops, and filmmaker panels.
December: Christmas in Paradise
- The Love FM Christmas Parade – Family Fun and Holiday Cheer
A colorful parade filled with lights, music, and costumes—great for kids and families. - San Pedro Boat Lighting Parade – Magical Lights on the Water
Beautifully decorated boats light up the sea in this unique holiday celebration. - Maya Winter Solstice – Ancient Traditions and Ceremonies
Connect with Belize’s rich Maya heritage through ceremonies and cultural events marking the solstice. - Christmas & Boxing Day – Family Gatherings and Local Celebrations
From church services to festive meals, experience Belize’s warm and joyful holiday season.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Belize?
If you’re wondering what the best time is 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.
Whatever you pick, whatever the season, whatever the reason – you won’t go wrong with visiting Belize!
