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.
Arts & Culture
Keeping the Tradition Alive: El Carnaval de San Pedro is Back!
San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye joined other countries in the region to celebrate the annual carnival season with the highly anticipated "El Carnaval de San Pedro!" This traditional celebration, beloved by islanders and visitors, kicked off on March 1st with a vibrant parade that concluded with a spectacular show at the central park.
Arts & Culture
Gabriela Marin is Reina Del Carnaval 2025!
Carnaval in San Pedro Town is a vibrant and unique celebration held before Lent. Known for its colorful street parties and lively music, a distinctive tradition of Carnaval is painting one another, a hallmark of the festivities. Before the official celebration begins, the Reina del Carnaval Pageant is held to crown a queen who embodies the spirit of Carnaval. This year, the pageant occurred on Thursday, February 27th, starting at 8 PM at the San Pedro Lions Den.
Arts & Culture
Art in the Park highlights San Pedro’s talented artists
San Pedro Town Councilor Marina Kay and local artist Edwardo ‘Papo’ Alamilla hosted a vibrant Art in the Park event on February 7th and 8th at Central Park. The occasion showcased the work of many talented artists from San Pedro Town and attracted numerous locals and tourists. Some paintings were available for purchase, and a few collectors left with beautiful masterpieces created by island painters.
Arts & Culture
Annual island visitor musician Kelly McGuire gives back to the community
Kelly McGuire, the Texas-based singer-songwriter, is currently in San Pedro, Belize, for his annual birthday celebration. He is known for his popular songs inspired by island life and actively engages with fans through performances and events during his stay. This year, he will host a special concert on February 6th for the Saga Humane Society.
Arts & Culture
Belize Chocolate Company Sweetens Education with $2,000 Art Supply Donation
The Belize Chocolate Company generously contributed to the local community on Tuesday, January 21st, by donating art supplies valued at over $2,000 to three primary schools in San Pedro Town. The supplies included paints, pencils, sketching pads, and various craft materials. This initiative is part of the company's ongoing commitment to support local education, which began with the launch of their ART Bar chocolate bar last year. The ART Bar features the work of talented Belizean artists, and a portion of each bar sold is allocated for purchasing art supplies for schools.
Arts & Culture
A story of love; Houston-based artist proposes in San Pedro
Houston, Texas-based artist Alex Roman Jr., who goes by the name donkeeboy on Instagram, and his mother, Sylvia Roman (donkeeymom), have become regular visitors to San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, over the years. They have beautified the town with their talent, painting several murals in and around downtown San Pedro. In mid-November, Roman returned to La Isla Bonita on a special mission—to propose to his girlfriend. After creating another stunning mural on Barrier Reef Drive, he surprised his future wife with a unique and artistic marriage proposal.
Arts & Culture
Island celebrations for Garifuna Settlement Day dampened by Tropical Storm Sara
This year, Tropical Storm Sara put a damper on Garifuna Settlement Day activities on the island, leading to the cancellation of the main celebrations. Although there were drumming events at establishments operated by the Garifuna community, traditional events such as parades, large concerts, and the Yurumein (the re-enactment of the arrival of the Garifuna people in Belize) were notably absent. Despite this, the public and bank holiday allowed islanders to enjoy traditional Garifuna dishes, including the popular Hudut.
