Island Life
Special Events
FEBRUARY
Fiesta de Carnaval - An exciting yearly event celebrated in San Pedro, which brings back traditions. Groups compete in comparsas (special dances). Revelers also paint and crack raw eggs on each other. Held 3 days before Ash Wednesday.
MARCH
Baron Bliss Day - Celebrations are held nationwide to honor this great benefactor of Belize. A harbor regatta is held in front of the lighthouse in Belize City where he was buried. Horse and cycle races are also held.
APRIL
Good Friday in Ambergris Caye - The Catholic Church holds special services. Beginning at 3p.m., most villagers participate in a procession carrying the cross of Christ through town. Eco Challenge Race – A 2-day, 57 mile Kayak race. Starts from the old football field in San Pedro and finishes at Central Park in downtown San Pedro.
MAY
Commonwealth Day - Celebrated nationwide as the Queen's birthday.
JUNE
Dia de San Pedro - A 3-day festival honoring St. Peter, the patron saint of San Pedro. There’s an early morning boat parade. Boats and fishermen are blessed, a special mass is held and a fiesta follows.
AUGUST
San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival - In San Pedro, a festival of music, dance, and foods from Belize and neighboring countries. Beauty queens from Belize, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama vie for the title of Reina de la Costa Maya.
SEPTEMBER
Independence Day/September 21 - Numerous cultural, religious and sporting activities held a couple of weeks before St. George's Caye Day. Flag-raising ceremonies, parades, street jump-ups, music, dance and foods. Crowning of Miss San Pedro.
