{
 "title": "San Pedro and Belize events and festivals",
 "page": "https://belizepulse.com/events",
 "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
 "licence": "CC BY 4.0: free to reuse with credit to belizepulse.com.",
 "date_status": {
  "confirmed": "exact date published for that year by an official body or the organiser",
  "expected": "legal date is fixed, but the observed day for that year has not been gazetted yet",
  "usual": "normally happens in this month; no date announced for that year",
  "unconfirmed": "reported, but we could not confirm it, or sources conflict"
 },
 "sources": [
  {
   "name": "Government of Belize Press Office — Public and Bank Holidays 2026",
   "url": "https://www.pressoffice.gov.bz/public-and-bank-holidays-2026/",
   "note": "the official 2026 list (PR#218-25, 6 Nov 2025)"
  },
  {
   "name": "Press Office — Public and Bank Holidays 2025",
   "url": "https://www.pressoffice.gov.bz/public-and-bank-holidays-2025/",
   "note": "past Monday moves"
  },
  {
   "name": "Belize Gazette — Public and Bank Holidays 2024 (with amendment)",
   "url": "https://www.pressoffice.gov.bz/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Amendment-Gazetted-holidays-2024.pdf",
   "note": "shows a notice can be changed after it is issued"
  },
  {
   "name": "Press Office — Public and Bank Holidays 2023",
   "url": "https://www.pressoffice.gov.bz/public-and-bank-holidays-2023/"
  },
  {
   "name": "Press Office — Public and Bank Holidays 2022 (updated)",
   "url": "https://www.pressoffice.gov.bz/public-and-bank-holidays-2022-updated/"
  },
  {
   "name": "The San Pedro Sun — 2021 holiday list",
   "url": "https://www.sanpedrosun.com/politics-and-government/2021/01/04/two-new-belizean-public-and-bank-holidays-in-2021-pan-american-day-removed/",
   "note": "the 2021 Sunday moves"
  },
  {
   "name": "The San Pedro Sun — Emancipation Day",
   "url": "https://www.sanpedrosun.com/community-and-society/2021/08/03/belize-observes-emancipation-day/"
  },
  {
   "name": "The San Pedro Sun — 12 October renamed",
   "url": "https://www.sanpedrosun.com/government/2021/11/19/gob-quickly-changes-the-dia-de-la-raza-holiday-to-indigenous-peoples-resistance-day-after-public-objection/"
  },
  {
   "name": "Wikipedia — Public holidays in Belize",
   "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_Belize",
   "note": "background on what each holiday marks"
  },
  {
   "name": "The San Pedro Sun",
   "url": "https://www.sanpedrosun.com/"
  },
  {
   "name": "Ambergris Today",
   "url": "https://ambergristoday.com/"
  },
  {
   "name": "Breaking Belize News",
   "url": "https://www.breakingbelizenews.com/"
  },
  {
   "name": "Channel 5 / Greater Belize Media",
   "url": "https://www.greaterbelize.com/"
  }
 ],
 "events": [
  {
   "name": "Garifuna Settlement Day in San Pedro",
   "category": "community",
   "location": "Central Park and neighbourhoods such as DFC, San Pedro",
   "year": 2026,
   "month": 11,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "Drumming on the evening of 18 Nov; Yurumein at dawn on 19 Nov (public holiday)",
   "summary": "The island's Garifuna community marks the national day with drumming, dances, traditional food and the Yurumein re-enactment at dawn. Coordinated by the San Pedro branch of the National Garifuna Council. The big national celebration is in Dangriga.",
   "source_url": "https://www.sanpedrosun.com/community-and-society/2025/11/20/san-pedro-celebrates-2025-garifuna-settlement-day/",
   "source_name": "San Pedro Sun (2025 report)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
   "note": "Timing based on 2025. The 19 November holiday is confirmed for 2026; the island programme has not been announced."
  },
  {
   "name": "Garifuna Settlement Day in San Pedro",
   "category": "community",
   "location": "Central Park and neighbourhoods such as DFC, San Pedro",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 11,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "Drumming on the evening of 18 Nov; Yurumein at dawn on 19 Nov (public holiday)",
   "summary": "The island's Garifuna community marks the national day with drumming, dances, traditional food and the Yurumein re-enactment at dawn. Coordinated by the San Pedro branch of the National Garifuna Council. The big national celebration is in Dangriga.",
   "source_url": "https://www.sanpedrosun.com/community-and-society/2025/11/20/san-pedro-celebrates-2025-garifuna-settlement-day/",
   "source_name": "San Pedro Sun (2025 report)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
   "note": "Timing based on 2025. The 19 November holiday is confirmed for 2026; the island programme has not been announced."
  },
  {
   "name": "Christmas tree lighting",
   "category": "community",
   "location": "Central Park, San Pedro",
   "year": 2026,
   "month": 12,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "Early December, early evening (8 Dec in 2024; 5 or 6 Dec in 2025)",
   "summary": "The Town Council lights the Central Park tree with carols and performances. It opens the island's Christmas season.",
   "source_url": "https://www.sanpedrosun.com/community-and-society/2025/12/09/christmas-tree-lighting-launches-festive-season-in-san-pedro/",
   "source_name": "San Pedro Sun (2025 report)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
   "note": "2026 date not announced."
  },
  {
   "name": "Christmas tree lighting",
   "category": "community",
   "location": "Central Park, San Pedro",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 12,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "Early December, early evening (8 Dec in 2024; 5 or 6 Dec in 2025)",
   "summary": "The Town Council lights the Central Park tree with carols and performances. It opens the island's Christmas season.",
   "source_url": "https://www.sanpedrosun.com/community-and-society/2025/12/09/christmas-tree-lighting-launches-festive-season-in-san-pedro/",
   "source_name": "San Pedro Sun (2025 report)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
   "note": "2026 date not announced."
  },
  {
   "name": "Christmas Lighted Boat Parade",
   "category": "community",
   "location": "San Pedro waterfront, from Central Park south to Victoria House and Grand Caribe and back",
   "year": 2026,
   "month": 12,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "A Saturday before Christmas, after sunset (20 Dec in 2025)",
   "summary": "Boats dressed in Christmas lights cruise the waterfront after dark. Organised by the San Pedro Tour Operators Association.",
   "source_url": "https://www.sanpedrosun.com/community-and-society/2025/11/22/san-pedro-prepares-for-annual-christmas-lighted-boat-parade/",
   "source_name": "San Pedro Sun (2025 notice)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
   "note": "2026 date not announced."
  },
  {
   "name": "Christmas Lighted Boat Parade",
   "category": "community",
   "location": "San Pedro waterfront, from Central Park south to Victoria House and Grand Caribe and back",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 12,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "A Saturday before Christmas, after sunset (20 Dec in 2025)",
   "summary": "Boats dressed in Christmas lights cruise the waterfront after dark. Organised by the San Pedro Tour Operators Association.",
   "source_url": "https://www.sanpedrosun.com/community-and-society/2025/11/22/san-pedro-prepares-for-annual-christmas-lighted-boat-parade/",
   "source_name": "San Pedro Sun (2025 notice)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
   "note": "2026 date not announced."
  },
  {
   "name": "Christmas street parade",
   "category": "community",
   "location": "Boca del Rio beachfront through town to Central Park",
   "year": 2026,
   "month": 12,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "The weekend before Christmas, around 7 pm (Sun 21 Dec in 2025)",
   "summary": "The Town Council's Christmas parade with floats through the main streets.",
   "source_url": "https://www.sanpedrosun.com/community-and-society/2025/12/23/christmas-parade-lights-up-san-pedro-streets/",
   "source_name": "San Pedro Sun (2025 report)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
   "note": "One year of evidence only. 2026 date not announced."
  },
  {
   "name": "Christmas street parade",
   "category": "community",
   "location": "Boca del Rio beachfront through town to Central Park",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 12,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "The weekend before Christmas, around 7 pm (Sun 21 Dec in 2025)",
   "summary": "The Town Council's Christmas parade with floats through the main streets.",
   "source_url": "https://www.sanpedrosun.com/community-and-society/2025/12/23/christmas-parade-lights-up-san-pedro-streets/",
   "source_name": "San Pedro Sun (2025 report)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
   "note": "One year of evidence only. 2026 date not announced."
  },
  {
   "name": "New Year's Eve party and fireworks",
   "category": "community",
   "location": "Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex (Saca Chispas Field)",
   "year": 2026,
   "month": 12,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "31 December, from about 10 pm; fireworks at midnight (as at the 2025–26 party)",
   "summary": "The Town Council's free New Year's Eve party with DJs, a band and fireworks at midnight.",
   "source_url": "https://www.sanpedrosun.com/festivals/",
   "source_name": "San Pedro Sun (festivals archive)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
   "note": "Not yet announced for this year."
  },
  {
   "name": "New Year's Eve party and fireworks",
   "category": "community",
   "location": "Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex (Saca Chispas Field)",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 12,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "31 December, from about 10 pm; fireworks at midnight (as at the 2025–26 party)",
   "summary": "The Town Council's free New Year's Eve party with DJs, a band and fireworks at midnight.",
   "source_url": "https://www.sanpedrosun.com/festivals/",
   "source_name": "San Pedro Sun (festivals archive)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
   "note": "Not yet announced for this year."
  },
  {
   "name": "El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro",
   "category": "festival",
   "location": "Central Park and downtown streets, San Pedro",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 2,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "The days before Ash Wednesday (Ash Wednesday is 10 Feb 2027). In 2026 it ran Sun 15 – Tue 17 Feb.",
   "summary": "San Pedro's pre-Lent carnival: comparsa dance groups in the streets and powder-paint and foam parties in Central Park. Organised by the San Pedro Town Council.",
   "source_url": "https://www.sanpedrosun.com/community-and-society/2026/02/19/san-pedro-carnaval-brings-color-music-and-community-spirit/",
   "source_name": "San Pedro Sun (2026 report)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
   "note": "2027 dates not announced. Expect the weekend of 6–9 Feb, but that is our estimate, not an announcement."
  },
  {
   "name": "Placencia Sidewalk Arts & Music Festival",
   "category": "festival",
   "location": "Placencia Village",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 2,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "A weekend in February (7–8 Feb in 2026)",
   "summary": "Two days of Belizean art, crafts and music along Placencia's sidewalk. Run by Placencia BTIA.",
   "source_url": "https://www.placencia.com/events/placencia-sidewalk-art-festival/",
   "source_name": "Placencia BTIA",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23"
  },
  {
   "name": "La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge",
   "category": "sport",
   "location": "Belize River, San Ignacio to Belize City",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 3,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "Four days ending on the National Heroes and Benefactors Day holiday (6–9 Mar in 2026)",
   "summary": "A four-day canoe race across Belize, held since 1998.",
   "source_url": "https://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2026/03/06/ruta-maya-belize-river-challenge-2026-launches-with-58-teams-in-8-categories-as-belize-watches/",
   "source_name": "Breaking Belize News (2026)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
   "note": "2027 dates not announced, and the 2027 holiday date itself is not gazetted yet."
  },
  {
   "name": "Good Friday Passion re-enactment",
   "category": "community",
   "location": "From San Pedro Roman Catholic Church through the main streets",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 3,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "Good Friday afternoon (Good Friday is 26 Mar 2027); 4:30 pm in 2026",
   "summary": "The parish's street re-enactment of the Passion, one of the best-attended events of Easter weekend on the island.",
   "source_url": "https://www.sanpedrosun.com/community-and-society/2026/04/07/san-pedro-sees-calm-easter-weekend/",
   "source_name": "San Pedro Sun (2026 report)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23"
  },
  {
   "name": "San Pedro Kids Fishing Tournament",
   "category": "sport",
   "location": "Boca del Rio Beach Park weigh station",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 5,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "Mother's Day Sunday in May (10 May in 2026)",
   "summary": "A free shore-fishing tournament for island children and their families.",
   "source_url": "https://www.sanpedrosun.com/community-and-society/2026/05/13/2nd-annual-san-pedro-kids-fishing-tournament-brings-families-together-for-fun-day/",
   "source_name": "San Pedro Sun (2026 report)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
   "note": "Only two editions so far; organisers said they plan to hold it again."
  },
  {
   "name": "Pok Ta Pok Festival",
   "category": "festival",
   "location": "Eco-Museum, North Ambergris Caye",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 5,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "Mid-May (Sun 17 May in 2026, the 2nd edition)",
   "summary": "Demonstration matches of the ancient Maya ballgame, with food, music and cultural exhibits.",
   "source_url": "https://www.sanpedrosun.com/arts-culture/2026/05/20/ancient-maya-ballgame-takes-center-stage-at-2nd-pok-ta-pok-festival/",
   "source_name": "San Pedro Sun (2026 report)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
   "note": "New event; one year of timing evidence."
  },
  {
   "name": "Chocolate Festival of Belize",
   "category": "festival",
   "location": "Punta Gorda and San Pedro Columbia, Toledo",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 5,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "A Friday–Sunday in mid-May (15–17 May in 2026)",
   "summary": "Toledo's cacao festival: symposium, chocolate gala, a street fete in Punta Gorda.",
   "source_url": "https://lovefm.com/belize-chocolate-festival-2026-officially-launched-in-toledo/",
   "source_name": "Love FM (2026)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23"
  },
  {
   "name": "Crooked Tree Cashew Festival",
   "category": "festival",
   "location": "Crooked Tree Village, Belize District",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 5,
   "date_status": "unconfirmed",
   "usual_timing": "Early May weekend",
   "summary": "A village fair around cashew wine, jam and roasted nuts, with an agricultural show.",
   "source_url": "https://www.greaterbelize.com/cashew-festival-tradition-lives-on-in-crooked-tree/",
   "source_name": "Channel 5 / Greater Belize (2025)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
   "note": "We could not find the 2026 date. The 2025 report points to 3–4 May; some travel sites say the second weekend of May."
  },
  {
   "name": "Hopkins Mango Fest",
   "category": "festival",
   "location": "Hopkins Village, Stann Creek",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 6,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "A mid-June weekend (13–14 Jun in 2026)",
   "summary": "A Garifuna village festival of mango food and drink, drumming and crafts. Run by the Hopkins BTIA.",
   "source_url": "https://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2026/06/18/mango-fest-2026-wraps-up-with-culture-community-and-celebration-in-hopkins/",
   "source_name": "Breaking Belize News (2026)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23"
  },
  {
   "name": "Día de San Pedro",
   "category": "community",
   "location": "San Pedro Roman Catholic Church, Central Park, Saca Chispas Field",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 6,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "Last week of June: novena, a Town Council fiesta on the Saturday, and the Fisherman's Mass and boat blessing at dawn on 29 June",
   "summary": "San Pedro's patron saint festival. The 4:30 am Fisherman's Mass on 29 June is followed by a boat procession and blessing.",
   "source_url": "https://ambergristoday.com/blog/2026/06/29/celebrating-dia-de-san-pedro/",
   "source_name": "Ambergris Today (2026)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
   "note": "29 June is the feast day (a Tuesday in 2027). The fiesta date is not announced."
  },
  {
   "name": "San Pedro Lobster Fest",
   "category": "festival",
   "location": "Restaurants and bars islandwide; block party at Saca Chispas Field",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 7,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "Early July, when lobster season opens; ends with a Saturday block party (11 Jul in 2026)",
   "summary": "More than a week of lobster specials across the island, ending in a block party with food booths and live music. Organised by the San Pedro Business Association's Lobster Fest Committee.",
   "source_url": "https://www.sanpedrosun.com/entertainment/2026/07/14/san-pedro-lobster-fest-block-party-draws-large-crowd-for-an-evening-of-food-and-entertainment/",
   "source_name": "San Pedro Sun (2026 report)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
   "note": "2027 dates not announced."
  },
  {
   "name": "Caye Caulker Lobsterfest",
   "category": "festival",
   "location": "Caye Caulker",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 7,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "Mid-July weekend, opening with the Miss Lobster Fest pageant on the Friday (17–19 Jul in 2026)",
   "summary": "Caye Caulker's lobster weekend with a pageant, food and live music.",
   "source_url": "https://www.sanpedrosun.com/community-and-society/2026/07/13/caye-caulker-miss-lobster-fest-delegates-visit-san-pedro-ahead-of-pageant/",
   "source_name": "San Pedro Sun (2026)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23"
  },
  {
   "name": "Placencia Lobsterfest",
   "category": "festival",
   "location": "Placencia Village",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 7,
   "date_status": "unconfirmed",
   "usual_timing": "First weekend of July (3–5 Jul in 2026)",
   "summary": "A beach-village lobster festival with food stalls, music and vendors.",
   "source_url": "https://www.centralamerica.com/experiencing/entertainment/lobsterfests-in-belize/",
   "source_name": "CentralAmerica.com (travel site)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
   "note": "Timing from travel sites only; not confirmed with the organiser."
  },
  {
   "name": "Grand Caribe Deep Sea Classic",
   "category": "sport",
   "location": "Grand Caribe, San Pedro",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 7,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "Mid-July to early August, four days (16–19 Jul in 2026; 31 Jul – 3 Aug in 2025)",
   "summary": "The island's big offshore fishing tournament: wahoo, dorado, tuna and billfish. 61 boats entered in 2026.",
   "source_url": "https://www.sanpedrosun.com/community-and-society/2026/07/22/team-changed-my-mind-wins-10th-annual-grand-caribe-deep-sea-classic/",
   "source_name": "San Pedro Sun (2026 report)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
   "note": "The month moves between July and August; 2027 dates not announced."
  },
  {
   "name": "Benque Fiesta",
   "category": "festival",
   "location": "Benque Viejo del Carmen, Cayo",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 7,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "7–16 July by tradition (feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on 16 July)",
   "summary": "The border town's patron saint fiesta, with marimba, fireworks and a procession.",
   "source_url": "https://www.categories.belizelivingheritage.org/benque-fiesta/",
   "source_name": "Belize Living Heritage",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23"
  },
  {
   "name": "San Pedro Classic Fly Fishing Tournament",
   "category": "sport",
   "location": "Flats around Ambergris Caye",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 8,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "Early August, three days (6–8 Aug in 2026)",
   "summary": "A catch-and-release fly-fishing tournament for bonefish, permit and tarpon.",
   "source_url": "https://www.sanpedroclassicflyfishingtournament.com/",
   "source_name": "Organiser's website",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
   "note": "2027 registration is open on the organiser's site, but no dates are published yet."
  },
  {
   "name": "Miss San Pedro pageant",
   "category": "community",
   "location": "Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex, San Pedro",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 8,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "Late August (Sat 29 Aug in 2026)",
   "summary": "Crowns Miss San Pedro, who then represents the town through the September Celebrations.",
   "source_url": "https://ambergristoday.com/news/2026/08/30/grace-sanchez-miss-san-pedro/",
   "source_name": "Ambergris Today (2026)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
   "note": "One year of timing evidence."
  },
  {
   "name": "Belize Carnival Road March",
   "category": "national",
   "location": "Belize City, Memorial Park to Marion Jones Stadium",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 9,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "A Saturday in early September (5 Sep in 2026; 6 Sep in 2025)",
   "summary": "Belize's September carnival: costumed bands dance through Belize City. Organised by the Belize Carnival Association.",
   "source_url": "https://www.greaterbelize.com/ready-for-carnival-2026-news-5-brings-the-road-march-to-you/",
   "source_name": "Channel 5 / Greater Belize (2026)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23"
  },
  {
   "name": "September Celebrations in San Pedro",
   "category": "community",
   "location": "Central Park, Saca Chispas Field and town streets",
   "year": 2027,
   "month": 9,
   "date_status": "usual",
   "usual_timing": "1–21 September: flag raising on the 1st, fire-engine parade and block party on the evening of the 9th, Independence Eve with fireworks on the 20th, Jouvert and a parade on the 21st (as in 2026)",
   "summary": "The island's run of events around St. George's Caye Day (10 Sep) and Independence Day (21 Sep).",
   "source_url": "https://www.sanpedrosun.com/community-and-society/2026/09/02/flag-raising-ceremony-signals-start-of-september-celebrations/",
   "source_name": "San Pedro Sun (2026 programme)",
   "checked_on": "2026-09-23",
   "note": "2027 programme not announced. Start times in 2026 changed between the preview and the day, so check nearer the time."
  }
 ]
}