Arts & Culture
San Pedro celebrates 2025 Garifuna Settlement Day
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye’s Garifuna community joined the national celebration of Garifuna Settlement Day with vibrant drumming, soulful dances, traditional food, and the symbolic Yurumein, the re-enactment of the Garinagu’s arrival in Belize in 1802. This year’s public and bank holiday, observed on November 19th, was celebrated under the theme “Wabaronguóun lidan Garifunaduáü: iúnrahei warasan, agahabuda lun sánsiguaü, inebesei lun wanichigu,” which translates to “Garifuna Moving Forward: Honoring Tradition, Embracing Change, Strengthening Identity.”
Arts & Culture
San Pedro High School Celebrates Belize’s Ethnic Diversity with Cultural Day
Despite the heavy rains that had been affecting the country for days, San Pedro High School (SPHS) students and teachers held another memorable Cultural Day. The annual event highlights the historical migration of various ethnic groups that have made Belize their home. Classroom presentations featured students dressed in cultural attire and elaborate displays celebrating the journeys and evolution of the Creole, Mestizo, Garifuna, Maya, Mennonite, East Indian, Chinese, and Lebanese communities. This year also included a separate day dedicated to cultural dance performances.
Arts & Culture
Garifuna culture comes alive at Black & White Restaurant
The Black and White Restaurant on Seagrape Drive remains a standout Garifuna cultural center, showcasing the vibrant traditions, cuisine, and music of the Garinagu to both Belizeans and visitors. The family-friendly establishment regularly offers cultural performances, including traditional drumming and dancing. On Sunday, November 2nd, guests were treated to another energetic cultural night, delighting diners despite an unexpected island-wide power outage.
Arts & Culture
Garifuna Flag-Raising Ceremony Opens Settlement Day Celebrations in San Pedro
On Friday, October 31st, the Garifuna community in San Pedro gathered at Central Park at 8PM for a flag-raising ceremony, marking the start of cultural festivities leading up to Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19th. The evening featured cultural presentations, traditional dances, and rhythmic drumming, proudly showcasing the rich heritage of the Garinagu on the island.
Arts & Culture
Local Artists Exhibit Work at Art in the Park
Art in the Park has become a beloved cultural event in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, bringing together local artisans and artists to share their creativity with the community. The most recent edition was held on October 17th and 18th at Central Park, with support from the San Pedro Town Council and the San Pedro Cultural Committee.
Arts & Culture
Unearthing History: San Pedro’s Past Revealed in Free Public Archaeology Presentation
On Monday, October 6th, 2025, a captivating free public presentation titled “Uncovering San Pedro’s Past” was held at the House of Culture in San Pedro. The event featured recent archaeological investigations conducted in downtown San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, presented by Dr. Scott Simmons, a professor from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, USA, along with Akirah August and Rumari Ku from Belize’s Institute of Archaeology under the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH). The presentation explored research spanning from Maya life predating Spanish contact to San Pedro’s 19th and early 20th-century history.
Arts & Culture
Belize Shines on the Big Screen at World Premiere of Looking Through Water
Belize took the international spotlight this week as Looking Through Water, a feature film starring Michael Douglas and directed by acclaimed Mexican filmmaker Roberto Sneider premiered at the prestigious Directors Guild of America (DGA) Theatre in New York City.
Arts & Culture
Groundbreaking Discovery: Tomb of Caracol’s First King Unearthed in Belize
On July 10, 2025, it was announced that archaeologists, led by the renowned Drs. Arlen and Diane Chase have made a historic breakthrough at the ancient Maya city of Caracol in the Cayo District of Belize. They discovered a tomb believed to contain the remains of Te K’ab Chaak, the city’s first known king and the founder of its royal dynasty. This significant find comes after more than four decades of continuous excavation at the site, marking a milestone in Maya archaeology and providing unprecedented insight into the origins of one of the civilization’s most powerful cities.
Arts & Culture
San Pedro Comes Alive for Día de San Pedro 2025 Celebrations
On the evening of June 28th, San Pedro’s Central Park transformed into a vibrant hub of culture and community as the town celebrated Día de San Pedro 2025, honoring St. Peter, the patron saint of the island’s fishermen. The festivities kicked off, drawing locals and visitors alike to a lively street fair brimming with traditional food vendors, colorful performances, and heartfelt ceremonies.
Arts & Culture
Belize@44: Stronger Together, Rising Forever; 2025 National Celebrations Theme Has Been Selected
The National Celebrations Commission officially unveiled the theme for Belize’s 44th anniversary of independence at a ceremony held on Wednesday, June 4th at the House of Culture: “Belize@44: Stronger Together, Rising Forever.” Hon. Francis Fonseca, Chairman of the National Celebrations Commission, announced the official countdown to the country's most anticipated annual festivities.
Arts & Culture
Talents shine at San Pedro’s Primary and Secondary School Festival of Arts 2025
On Tuesday, May 20th, the San Pedro Town Sagebrush Church buzzed excitedly during the annual Belize District Festival of Arts. This beloved event highlights the creative talents of the island's primary and secondary school students. Organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology through the Institute of Creative Arts and supported by the San Pedro Town Council, the festival offers students a platform to showcase their skills in drama, dance, music, and various other artistic forms.
