As the July sun shines high above the glistening waters and sandy white beaches of the Placencia Peninsula in Belize, one of the most popular events of the year is expected to draw record crowds. The world-famous Placencia Lobsterfest, held this year between July 5-17, will kick off the lobster season with music, games, and plenty of savory dishes made from everyone’s favorite crustaceans.
Regular visitors to Placencia know that the area is famous for its abundance of fresh-caught seafood, including conch, shrimp, snapper, grouper, kingfish, lionfish, and barracuda. The advent of the lobster season heralds an unparalleled opportunity to sample some of the finest cooking anywhere in the country, with local chefs competing to make the most savory dish from lobster.
Starting with the ubiquitous boiled lobster served with drawn butter, culinary competitors will tempt festival-goers with lobster curry, stewed lobster, lobster ceviche, and gourmet dishes elevated to a fine art. Along with all of the seafood, market stalls, restaurants and cafes will also feature fresh local organic fruits, vegetarian dishes, and savory dishes made from chicken, pork, and beef.
“We like to kid our guests about the weight-loss benefits of going to Lobsterfest,” says Larry France, the marketing manager at Chabil Mar Villas, a luxury resort on the peninsula, “because lobster is packed with protein and very low in fat. Gorging on lobster in combination with dancing to all the great local music and participating in sporting events is really a lot of fun.”
The main attraction of the Lobster Festival is, of course, all of the delicious food but it also has a serious side as well. The festival is organized by the Placencia Village Council to promote awareness of the local population as well as to raise money for charitable causes. In order to preserve the natural beauty of the area, the Placencia Village Council has instituted a “Keep It Green, Keep it Clean” policy for the festival. All food vendors are required to use biodegradable containers and bars are restricted to pouring drinks into reusable “stadium cups”. Bottled water won’t be on sale but thirsty festival-goers can refill their stadium cups or personal bottles at free water stations located throughout the festival area.
Chabil Mar situated on the Placencia Peninsula just a few minutes’ stroll down the beach from all the action at the Lobster Festival, is an ideal place to stay. Because of the popularity of the Lobster Festival, rooms are filling up fast so be sure to make your reservation today.
Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on the Placencia Lobsterfest, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.
