Basics - The Rough Guide to Belize - page 27

(PUP), while The Guardian is the main paper of the
United Democratic Party (UDP). Several online
magazines cover Belize (see p.39).

April: Easter Fair in San Ignacio. Other Easter celebrations are held
throughout the country.

MAY, JUNE AND JULY
First week in May: Cashew Festival in Crooked Tree village.
Celebrates the cashew nut in its many forms, including roasted over an
open fire, and also cashew jam, fudge and sweet wine.
Early May: National Agriculture and Trade Show in Belmopan. One of
the largest public events in Belize, with everything from crop and livestock
displays to “farmer of the year” awards. Almost all the country's top artists,
bands and sound systems will appear at some stage during the weekend.
June: Lobster festivals in San Pedro, Caye Caulker and Placencia.
Marks the o cial start of lobster season. Feast on this famous crustacean
in all its glory, including grilled, ceviche and kebabs. Caye Caulker even
selects a Miss Lobsterfest.
June or July: Lagoon Reef Eco-Challenge, Ambergris Caye. Annual
kayak race to raise reef awareness.
Mid-July: Benque Viejo Fiesta in Cayo District. Celebration of the
town's patron saint, with parades, marimba bands, traditional food and
drink and more.

Radio

Love FM ( W lovefm.com), offering easy listening,
news and current affairs, has one of the most
extensive networks in the country. Another major
station is KREM FM ( W krembz.com), with an
emphasis on talk and local music. Belize City's other
stations are WAVE Radio ( W belizeweb.com/wave
-radio.htm) and Positive Vibes FM ( W belizeweb
.com/positive-vibes.html). Each major district town
also has its own local station . Mexican stations
come through in the north, Honduran and Guate-
malan ones in the south and west.

Television

The two main TV stations are Channel 5
( W channel5belize.com), the country's best broad-
caster, with strong news and factual programmes,
and Channel 7 , which features a mix of American
and Belizean programming with local news and
political discussion programmes. Cable TV is also
big in the country, with a variety of channels that
broadcast everything from American soaps, talk
shows and CNN to sports and movies.

AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER
First week of Aug: International Costa Maya Festival in San Pedro.
A celebration of Mundo Maya countries (Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras
and El Salvador), with dances, parades and other cultural offerings from each.
Late Aug: Deer Dance Festival in San Antonio, Toledo District. Maya
festival with costumed dance performances.

SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER
Sept 10: National Day/St George's Caye Day in Belize City. Start of
almost two weeks of festivities in the capital, known as the “September
Celebrations”.
Sept 21: Independence Day. Celebrations nationwide, including
Carnival in Belize City, the culmination of the month's revelries.
Mid-Oct: Pan-American Day. Originally known as Columbus Day,
Pan-American Day celebrates Belize's ethnic diversity, with fiestas from
Belize City to the cayes.

Festivals
Festivals are popular in Belize and often
involve entire communities. They range
from full-on Carnival to lobster festivals
to local school fundraisers, all celebrated
with flair and exuberance. The following
list is just a sample of what's on when
and where; check locally for exact dates
and venues.

NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER
Nov 19: Garifuna Settlement Day. In Dangriga, Hopkins and other
Garifuna communities, with traditional drumming, dancing, cuisine and
more. The Dangriga celebrations encompass Puntafest - a long weekend
of late nights, rum and rhythm - which is a must-attend event.
Dec 26: Boxing Day. Parties, dances and horse races in Burrell Boom.

A festivals calendar

JANUARY AND FEBRUARY
Jan 1: Horse racing in Burrell Boom; Cycling Classic from Corozal to
Belize City.
Feb: Sidewalk Arts Festival, Placencia.

Sports and
outdoor activities
Belize is a boon for outdoor activities,
and especially those connected to water,
including diving, snorkelling, sailing and
windsurfing.

MARCH AND APRIL
First half of March: La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge. Lively
four-day canoe race from San Ignacio to Belize City.
March 9: Baron Bliss Day. Honours this British baron, who was one of
the country's most generous benefactors.