Belize is known for its vibrant and colorful carnivals, which are a lively fusion of Caribbean, African, Latin, and indigenous Maya influences. These carnivals typically feature parades, elaborate costumes, music, dance, and cultural celebrations. Here are the major carnivals celebrated in Belize:
1. Belize September Carnival
- Main Event: Belize City Carnival Road March
- Date: Held in September, usually the weekend before Independence Day (September 21st)
- Location: Belize City
- Features:
- Massive costume parades
- Soca, Punta, and dancehall music
- Youth and adult carnival bands
- Street dancing, floats, and competitions
- Significance: Part of Belize’s September Celebrations, which include St. George’s Caye Day (Sept 10) and Independence Day (Sept 21).
2. San Pedro Carnaval (El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro)
- Date: The 3 days leading up to Ash Wednesday (pre-Lenten celebration)
- Location: San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye
- Features:
- Traditional painting and flour fights
- Comparsas (street dance groups in costumes performing skits and parodies)
- Live music, cultural performances
- Cultural Roots: Strong mestizo and Spanish influences, similar to other Latin American Carnavales.
- Unique Element: Participants paint each other with flour, lipstick, and colored water—a fun, messy tradition!
3. Belize Carnival Soca Monarch and Jouvert
- Date: Part of September Celebrations, often before the main road march
- Events:
- Soca Monarch Competition: Music artists compete in soca music performance.
- Jouvert (pronounced Joo-vay): A pre-dawn street party with revelers covered in paint, mud, or powder, dancing through the streets.
- Vibe: High-energy, Trinidad-style carnival party.
4. Garifuna Settlement Day Celebrations
- Date: November 19
- Location: Mainly Dangriga, Punta Gorda, and Hopkins
- Features:
- While not a carnival in the typical sense, it includes parades, drumming, dancing, and traditional Garifuna attire.
- Celebrates the arrival of the Garifuna people in Belize in 1802.
5. Children’s Carnival
- Held as part of the September celebrations.
- Involves primary and secondary school students dressed in creative costumes.
- Promotes youth participation in Belizean culture.
Summary of Belizean Carnivals:
| Carnival | Location | Time of Year | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belize City Carnival | Belize City | September | Road march, costumes, soca music |
| San Pedro Carnaval | San Pedro | Feb/March (pre-Lent) | Comparsas, body painting, flour fights |
| Soca Monarch & Jouvert | Belize City | September | Music competitions, paint parties |
| Garifuna Settlement Day | Southern Belize | November 19 | Drumming, traditional dance |
| Children’s Carnival | Nationwide | September | School costume parades |
