1. Garifuna Settlement Day – November 19

   No list is complete without Garifuna Settlement Day, a public holiday celebrated on November 19. It honors the arrival of the Garifuna people to Belize in 1802 after fleeing persecution in the Caribbean.

   Expect powerful drumming, traditional dancing, and reenactments of the Garifuna’s arrival by dugout canoes along the coast—especially in Dangriga, Hopkins, and Seine Bight. Food plays a central role too, with dishes like hudut (mashed plantains and coconut fish stew) and cassava bread on every table.

   This is one of the most vibrant and soulful celebrations in Belize, and it’s a must-see for anyone wanting to understand the country’s diverse cultural roots.

2. September Celebrations – All Month Long

   Belize’s most patriotic season is September, when two major holidays are observed:

   • Battle of St. George’s Caye Day (September 10) commemorates a historic 1798 victory over Spanish invaders.
   • Independence Day (September 21) marks Belize’s independence from Britain in 1981.

   Cities and towns across the country host parades, concerts, pageants, fireworks, and flag-raising ceremonies. The entire month has a festive buzz, especially in Belize City, San Ignacio, and Orange Walk.

   If you’re looking for a high-energy time to visit Belize, September is your month.

3. Placencia Lobsterfest – July

   Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like—a celebration of lobster! Placencia Lobsterfest kicks off the start of lobster season in Belize every July. Restaurants serve lobster in every imaginable style—grilled, curried, in tacos, kebabs, and even on pizza.

   Live music, beach parties, craft booths, and lobster cook-off competitions make this a foodie’s dream and one of the best times to visit Placencia. Similar festivals happen in Caye Caulker and San Pedro, but Placencia’s version stands out for its beachside vibes and local charm.

4. La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge – March

   This is Belize’s most exciting canoe race—and one of the longest in the region. La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge is a four-day race that spans 175 miles along the Belize River, from San Ignacio in western Belize to Belize City on the coast. It’s a celebration of endurance, history, and nature, attracting both local and international paddlers.

   Along the way, communities host parties and support the teams, making this a uniquely Belizean event where you can witness the country’s deep connection to its rivers. For a front-row seat to the race’s start, stay at Villa Massis, located near the Macal River in San Ignacio.

5. Belize Carnival – Early September

   Belize Carnival is the heart of the September celebrations, and it’s a spectacle of feathers, sequins, and non-stop soca music. The Carnival Road March in Belize City features elaborately costumed dancers who wind their way through the streets in choreographed bliss.

   It’s high-energy, colorful, and infectious—think Rio de Janeiro meets Caribbean flair. Join in or just watch the parade from the sidelines with a Belikin in hand.

6. Easter Week Celebrations – March/April

   Easter is a deeply spiritual time in Belize, but also a festive one. Towns like Benque Viejo del Carmen are known for their elaborate sawdust carpets (alfombras) and religious processions, especially on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

   Meanwhile, beach destinations like Caye Caulker and Placencia are full of visitors enjoying Easter weekend parties, barbecues, and family outings. It’s a nice mix of tradition and relaxation.

Experience Belize Beyond the Sights

Traveling to Belize during one of these festivals gives you more than just a vacation—it gives you a connection to the people, music, flavors, and stories that make Belize so special.

• Stay on the beach at Chabil Mar in Placencia and enjoy front-row access to Lobsterfest and local culture year-round.
• Prefer the jungle and culture of inland Belize? Villa Massis in San Ignacio is the ideal home base for Garifuna Settlement Day, September celebrations, and Easter traditions.