An unprecedented number of tourists are expected to make pilgrimages to Belize in July, but not for religious reasons. They will come to enhance their mental and physical health as the 2022 Placencia Lobsterfest takes place from July 16-17, 2022, honoring a tradition that’s been around for over 20 years.
Do frequent visitors use this humble crustacean as a reason to escape to Belize every July? Of course, they do. Talk about a vacation with a purpose: attend Lobsterfest, eat as much as you like of this low-calorie, protein-packed seafood, and return home slimmer after undertaking multiple recreational/sporting events associated with this lively three-day party.
“We joke about myriad health benefits visitors get when they attend Lobsterfest because it’s so much more than a seafood eating orgy,” says Larry France, Marketing Manager at Chabil Mar Villas, a popular high-end resort where chefs hold court at the resort’s award-winning onsite restaurant. “Our chefs elevate lobster preparation to a fine art,” France adds, promising guests the experience of a lifetime if they stay at the resort throughout this big celebration.
Curious about how this lobster bacchanal began? Members of the Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association sought a unique idea to improve the local economy while introducing Placencia to visitors and showcasing its fishing industry in 1998. Lobsterfest was born.
See also: A Brief History of The Placencia Lobsterfest
“Our first Lobsterfest was a humble affair,” recalls France with a chuckle. “A small bunch of enthusiastic eaters gathered at a single table to eat lobster bruschetta and enjoy makeshift carnival games. Word spread that guests had a blast, and every year since, crowd sizes have doubled.”
Over time, Placencia restauranteurs turned the celebration into a friendly culinary competition, at which point, other businesses jumped on the bandwagon, so visitors eager to see what can be crafted, prepared, designed, and sold related to the humble lobster are going to be impressed.
What can travelers expect at Lobsterfest? A vacation that’s part tropical island party and part New Orleans at Mardi Gras without the bad weather. Resorts like Chabil Mar roll out the red carpet for guests who are encouraged to head for Placencia Village where 60+ booths filled with arts and crafts, beverages, t-shirts, art, games, and attractions await. Little lobsters won’t be ignored: fun carnival games are sure to wear kids out.
Each year, the long-awaited culinary parade introduces new palates to delights like lobster stews, fajitas, pies, exotic beverages, and treats while attendees wait to hear if they’ve won the Lobsterfest raffle. Meanwhile, the ongoing music scene fills the air with Garifuna and other trendy musical genres unique to Belize.
As of this posting, organizers have confirmed these 2022 Lobsterfest events, but there are likely to be more:
-A Belikin beer drinking contest
-Biggest lobstah’ competition
-Crowning of Mr. and Ms. Physique
-Tug-of-war
-Tipsy tuna toss
-Spicy hot wing eating contest
-Kayak races and a “reel in the kayak” event that’s not for the frail
-Net casting competition (catch a schilling in a fishing net)
-Beach fly fishing contest.
For more information about Lobsterfest, specific events and times or to find out more about Chabil Mar accommodations, packages, rates, and amenities, please don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll-Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606.
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