One of the great things about visiting Belize is that there’s always something going on. No matter what time of year you come to Belize, you can join in on the fun with one of the country’s many exciting festivals, holidays, and events.
Here are 5 festivals in Belize that you shouldn’t miss in 2025.
Placencia Lobsterfest
Summer kicks off with style every July on the Placencia Peninsula with a festive three-day party that celebrates the mighty lobster. Local chefs compete to create the most savory dish from the world’s favorite crustacean while diners work to burn off all those extra calories with fun games, live music, and a beach party that lasts until dawn. There’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy, including other seafood treats, face painting, and homemade handicrafts and artwork for sale.
In 2025, the Lobsterfest in Placencia will run from July 4th to 6th.
September Celebrations
Sometimes it seems as though the entire month of September is one big holiday. Beginning on September 10, the national holiday of St. George’s Caye Day celebrates the historic 1798 triumph of British settlers over a Spanish armada which led to Belize becoming the only English-speaking country in the region. Patriotic celebrations, parades, and red, white, and blue (the national colors of Belize) festooned everywhere culminating with the big bang on September 21, Independence Day, celebrating the moment in 1981 when Belize became a free and independent nation.
Garifuna Settlement Day
More than 200 years ago, the Garifuna people were exiled from their Caribbean home after an uprising against the British. Seeking sanctuary, the Garifuna arrived in Belize on a fleet of dugout canoes, an event which is re-enacted on the morning of November 19 every year for the national holiday of Garifuna Settlement Day. Although the Garifuna compromise only 4% of Belize’s population, their contribution to music, dance, and food has the whole country celebrating on November 19.
Mango Festival in Hopkins
Many consider the mango to be the tastiest tropical fruit grown in Belize, and the idyllic coastal village of Hopkins grows no fewer than 20 different varieties. Besides all the tasty fruit and mango-themed dishes, there’s live music, games, contests, and dancing in the street to herald the arrival of the mango crop.
In 2025, the Hopkins Mangofest is scheduled for the first week in June.
Belize Chocolate Festival
The Chocolate Festival of Belize is set to make a tantalizing comeback in Toledo from May 16th to 18th, 2025. Celebrating Belize’s rich, ancient chocolate heritage, this festival promises an indulgent journey through the world of cacao. Visitors can look forward to a delectable array of chocolate-themed events, tastings, and cultural experiences, showcasing the unique flavors and traditions of Belizean chocolate.
It’s an unmissable event for chocolate enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
For more information about Belize, feel free to chat with our Concierge at: concierge@chabilmarvillas.com or contact our Reservations Manager at: reservations@chabilmarvillas.com. Or perhaps you would like to call toll free from the US or Canada: 1-866-417-2377.
