Celebrate Belize’s natural bounty and rich cultural tapestry through its many food festivals. Each highlights, in its own way, the unique ingredients and the diverse flavors that define the country. Don’t know where to start? Here’s a look at some of the top food festivals to look forward to in Belize in 2025.
Cashewfest- Crooked Tree Village- May 10th & 11th

Photo by the Belize Tourism Board
Held annually in the picturesque Crooked Tree Village, Cashewfest celebrates the cashew and all its uses. This vibrant festival, typically held in early May, showcases Belize’s love for the cashew nut as well as the often-over-looked fruit, which is used to create a variety of products, from juices and wines to jams and desserts.
Visitors to Cashewfest can enjoy cashew-inspired culinary treats, witness traditional cooking demonstrations, and participate in lively festivities that include music, dance, and local craft markets. It’s an excellent chance to explore the rural heart of Belize while savoring unique cashew creations and connecting with the friendly local community.
Chocolate Festival– Toledo District- May 16th-18th

Photo by the Belize Tourism Board
The Toledo District in southern Belize is the heart of the country’s chocolate industry, with lush cacao farms producing some of the finest beans in the world. The weekend festival, typically held mid-May, kicks off with a Chocolate Gala on Friday night, a sweet affair at the gorgeous Copal Tree Lodge. Celebrate all things chocolate with artisanal samples, informative visits to local cacao farms, and chocolate-making workshops where you can learn the art of creating delicious treats from bean to bar. It’s an immersive experience that blends the natural beauty of Toledo with the rich, decadent flavors of Belize’s signature chocolate.
Mango Fest- Hopkins- May 31st – June 1st

Photo by Hopkins Uncut
Hopkins, a small coastal village on the Caribbean Sea, is known for its Garifuna culture and beautiful beaches. Enjoy the sweet, juicy flavors of Belize’s many mango varieties at their annual celebration spotlighting one of our most beloved tropical fruits: Mango Fest. From fresh fruit to mango-laden dishes, desserts, and drinks, you’ll find it all here. Visitors can enjoy mango-themed cooking competitions, mango tastings, artisans and crafters, and a lively late-night beach bash.
Lobsterfest- San Pedro (July 1-12th), Placencia (July 4-6), Caye Caulker (July 11-13)

Photo Credit: Caye Caulker Lobster Fest on Facebook
Belize’s Lobster season opens July 1st and is celebrated country-wide, but the most well-organized and anticipated events are the big Lobsterfests held in San Pedro, Placencia, and Caye Caulker. The festivals in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye), Caye Caulker, and Placencia each offer their own spin on the celebration, but all feature one common theme: lobster.
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Expect to find a variety of lobster dishes, from grilled lobster to lobster ceviche, alongside other seafood delights. Placencia and Caye Caulker’s festivities include cook-off competitions, games for the children, as well as live music and dancing on the beach until the wee hours.
Yellow Ginger Festival- Punta Gorda- August 15 & 16

Photo by Naturally Belize Cosmetics
Another food-focused festival in the southern Toledo District is the Yellow Ginger Festival, which highlights the vibrant yellow ginger root (turmeric) and celebrates the East Indian culture. Explore the many culinary and medicinal uses of yellow ginger, a staple ingredient in many local dishes. The festival features a variety of food stalls, cooking demonstrations, and cultural performances. Visitors can taste ginger-inspired dishes, learn about the health benefits of the root, and experience the rich traditions of the Toledo District through the eyes of the local people.
Placencia Restaurant Week- Placencia Peninsula- November 2nd-9th

Photo by Turtle Inn
Placencia Restaurant Week is the perfect occasion to explore the best of Belizean cuisine in one of the country’s most picturesque beach towns. A new tradition, held at the beginning of November, this week-long event invites diners to indulge in special prix-fixe menus offered by top restaurants on the Placencia Peninsula. From fresh seafood to fusion cuisine, Placencia Restaurant Week provides a chance to experience the diverse flavors of Belize, without breaking the bank.