Community and Society
Island Emergency Operation Centers demonstrate skillful response to Tropical Storm Sara
After Tropical Storm Nadine passed on October 19th, residents of San Pedro did not anticipate another weather system to impact the area in mid-November. While the hurricane season typically concludes at the end of the month, storms rarely form in November. However, this year was different, as Tropical Storm Sara emerged, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding to much of Belize, including the Cayes, over the weekend of November 17th. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) branch was activated to monitor the weather system. Shelters were set up, and the team remained on standby for any emergencies.
Community and Society
Continuous flooding emphasizes the need for proper drainage on new streets
In San Pedro Town, recent efforts have been focused on addressing significant drainage issues and improving road conditions, which have been worsened by flooding from Tropical Storm Sara. Under the leadership of Mayor Gualberto "Wally" Nuñez and Councilor Ernesto Bardalez, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is undertaking a multi-phase initiative to enhance drainage systems and pave roads across the island. Several neighborhoods, including San Pablo, DFC, and Escalante Marina Drive, have already experienced progress due to the ongoing road construction project. However, the lack of a proper drainage system on the newly paved roads continues to result in flooding in these neighborhoods, causing considerable discomfort for the residents.
Entertainment
An exhilarating 3rd Annual Belize International Music and Food Festival held in San Pedro
San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, was the place to be over the weekend of Saturday, July 27th through the 28th, for the third edition of the Belize International Music and Food Festival (BIMFF). The event took place at the Honorable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex (Saca Chispas) and was well attended. It featured two days of entertainment and included some of the best Belizean food and performances by local and international artists. Visiting headliners included Collie Buddz, Shenseea, and world-renowned singer Prince Royce.
Community and Society
San Pedro honors the country with annual pre-Independence Day ceremonies
The anticipated pre-Independence Day celebration in San Pedro Town was held at the Honourable Louis Sylvester Sporting Arena on Wednesday, September 20th, with thousands of islanders in attendance. This year, San Pedranos joined Belizeans nationwide and abroad in celebrating Belize’s independence anniversary under the theme ‘Hope Ignited, Hands United, Vision Reviewed: Belize @42! The traditional event included cultural presentations, speeches, and the official flag-raising ceremony at midnight, ushering in Belize’s Independence Day-September 21st with a grand fireworks spectacle.
Festivals
The San Pedro BTIA chapter hosts first island Beer Festival
On Saturday, August 5th, the Belize Tourism Industry Association San Pedro Chapter (SP BTIA) added one more festivity to the island’s summer calendar with...
Community and Society
The machinery behind a successful San Pedro Lobsterfest
The 2023 San Pedro Lobster Festival was another successful event that saw thousands of islanders and tourists flocking to the Honourable Louis Sylvestre (Saca Chispas field) during its block party on July 15th. The annual festival honors the opening of the lobster season and provides a spike in the island's economy during a period considered the starting of the low tourism season. As the popular festival nears two decades since its debut in June 2007, here is a peek into the process of organizing one of the largest events in the country that continues to grow year after year.
Community and Society
San Pedro Lobster Fest block party brings people together and awards the best in food and drinks
The San Pedro Lobster Fest block party on Saturday, July 15th, saw hundreds of tourists and locals enjoying the celebration in honor of the Caribbean spiny lobster season. The annual festival was held at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Arena starting at 5PM, showcasing the best in lobster dishes, colorful and creative restaurant booths, live music, celebrity chef appearances, and the highly anticipated food and drink competition. The massive celebration following the week-long Lobster Crawl was the conclusion to San Pedro's Lobster Festival.
Community and Society
San Pedro Lobster Crawl is in full swing
While in Caye Caulker and Placencia, where lobster celebrations occur this weekend, San Pedro Town launched festivities on July 3rd with the annual Lobster Crawl, with daily lobster-themed events taking place in various participating businesses across the island. Crawlers, both local and visitors, have indulged in their favorite lobster delicacies, from pizzas, ceviche, taco lobster, and curry lobster, to even lobster-shaped chocolate treats. These fun events will continue crawling for the rest of the week and end with the grand Lobsterfest block party on Saturday, July 15th, at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Arena (Saca Chispas field).
Community and Society
Dia de San Pedro festivities crown new queen; delights thousands with local and international entertainment
During the 2023 Dia de San Pedro festivities, islanders welcomed a new beauty ambassador. The extravaganza opened with the anticipated Miss San Pedro Pageant on Friday, June 30th. Among the five young ladies vying for the title, 22-year-old Mariel Calderon, sponsored by Caribeña Enterprises, was selected as the next island queen and was crowned by outgoing Miss San Pedro Faith Edgar. The festival ended with a spectacular show on Saturday with entertainers from Belize, Mexico, and international talent, DJ Wuazat.
Arts & Culture
Festivities for Dia de San Pedro begin
From as early as 4AM, San Pedranos started the annual and traditional Dia de San Pedro celebrations on Thursday, June 29th. The first day of the festivities honoring the island’s Patron Saints, San Pedro and San Pablo, included a full day of activities spearheaded by the San Pedro Roman Catholic Church. The festival will span over the weekend with the Miss San Pedro Pageant and local and international entertainment at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre sporting complex.
Festivals
San Pedro Lobsterfest kicks with Lionfish tournament and lobster crawl
The 2022-2023 lobster season has officially opened, and San Pedro Town celebrates the occasion with the annual Lobster Festival. To kick off the festivities, a Lionfish tournament marked the beginning of the event in tandem with the famous Lobster Crawl.