Celebrating Belize: Annual Holidays and Traditions in Placencia
Celebrating Belize: Annual Holidays and Traditions in Placencia
September 2nd, 2025
One of the most vibrant aspects of visiting Belize is experiencing its rich tapestry of cultures, celebrations, and traditions. From Maya and Garifuna heritage to Caribbean rhythms and Creole influences, Belize offers a calendar full of festivals and holidays that bring its communities together with music, dance, food, and joy. For our guests at Prana Maya Island Resort, located just minutes from the charming village of Placencia, these events provide unforgettable opportunities to immerse in the authentic spirit of Belize.
Major Holidays and Traditions Across Belize
January – The New Year Begins with Energy
Belizeans usher in the New Year with lively beach parties, music, and fireworks. In Placencia, the celebrations spill out along the shoreline with a friendly, laid-back vibe that sets the tone for the year ahead.
March – Baron Bliss Day
Honoring Baron Henry Bliss, one of Belize’s most beloved benefactors, March 9 is marked with regattas, wreath-laying ceremonies, and community events. Coastal villages like Placencia often celebrate with boat races and seaside gatherings.
April – Easter Celebrations
Easter is one of Belize’s biggest holidays, bringing processions, church services, and beach festivities. Placencia becomes a hub of activity as both locals and travelers enjoy the long weekend with seafood feasts, family gatherings, and traditional games.
May – Commonwealth Day
Observed on the second Monday in May, this holiday includes parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural showcases throughout Belize.
September – The “September Celebrations”
The entire month of September is a patriotic festival:
- September 10: St. George’s Caye Day commemorates the 1798 battle where the Baymen defeated Spanish forces. Festivities include parades, music, and reenactments.
- September 21: Independence Day celebrates Belize’s independence from Britain in 1981. Expect colorful parades, live music, and a joyous atmosphere throughout Placencia and beyond.
November – Garifuna Settlement Day
On November 19, Belize honors the arrival of the Garifuna people to its shores in 1802. Placencia and nearby communities come alive with drumming, traditional dances, processions, and Garifuna food such as cassava bread and hudut (fish in coconut milk).
December – Christmas and New Year’s Eve
From local markets filled with handmade crafts to Christmas Bram street dances and festive meals, the holiday season in Belize is both joyous and unique. Placencia hosts lively celebrations, where travelers can join locals in holiday cheer by the sea.
Signature Placencia Traditions
Beyond national holidays, Placencia has its own unique celebrations that draw international visitors each year:
- Placencia Lobsterfest (July): A three-day festival dedicated to the opening of lobster season, complete with cook-offs, beach parties, and live music.
- Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival (February): Belize’s narrowest street transforms into an open-air gallery featuring local artists, crafts, and performances.
- Fisherman’s Day (June): A heartfelt celebration of Belize’s fishing heritage, with blessings of the boats and community feasts.
Celebrate With Us at Prana Maya Island Resort
At Prana Maya, we believe travel is about connection—connection to the land, the people, and the rhythms of life. Staying with us during these holidays means you’ll experience not just luxury and relaxation, but also the vibrant heart of Belizean culture. Whether it’s dancing to Garifuna drums, savoring lobster fresh from the sea, or joining Independence Day parades, Placencia offers a celebration for every traveler.
✨ Join us at Prana Maya Island Resort and discover the beauty of Belize—where every season brings a new reason to celebrate.