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.
Arts & Culture
Bloom with Love: San Pedro Dance Academy hosts Mother’s Day Recital
On Saturday, May 3rd, the San Pedro Dance Academy (SPDA) hosted its annual Mother’s Day recital, "Bloom with Love." As May arrives, it brings a sense of love and appreciation for mothers, with various events taking place across the island. The special dance showcase, which celebrated mothers, love, and family, was held at the Lions Den.
Arts & Culture
San Pedro High School awarded second place at Band Fest 2025 competition
The San Pedro High School (SPHS) returned to the island as sub-champions of the Belize Band Fest 2025, held on Saturday, April 12th, in Independence Village, southern Belize. The island’s marching band performed stunningly while defending their championship title. However, at the end of the event, the judges declared Independence High School (IHS) the top marching band of this year's competition.
Arts & Culture
Garifuna icon Aurelio Martinez remembered in San Pedro
Aurelio Martinez, a name synonymous with Paranda music, left a lasting impact on Garifuna culture in the region. The Garifuna star, born in Honduras, was well-known in Belize, and his sudden passing has left his followers in grief. On Sunday, March 30th, members of the Garifuna community, united in their love for Martinez and his music, gathered at the Black and White Restaurant in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, to honor the musical icon with singing and drumming.
Arts & Culture
Island Preschoolers Take Part in the 2025 San Pedro Preschool Festival of Arts
The San Pedro Preschool Festival of Arts brought vibrancy and creativity to the Sagebrush Church in San Pedro Town on March 20th. Sponsored by the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, and the Institute of Creative Arts, the event showcased the talents of preschool-aged children through music, dance, drama, and arts and crafts. This celebration marked the beginning of a nationwide tour of artistic performances that will take place over several weeks.
Arts & Culture
Garifuna icon Aurelio Martinez remembered following tragic death
Belize joins Honduras in mourning the loss of Garifuna icon Aurelio Martinez, 55, who tragically died in an airplane crash on Monday, March 17th. Martinez, along with 11 other passengers, perished shortly after their flight took off from the Honduran island of Roatan en route to his home city of La Ceiba.
