In North America, Fall festivities revolve around leaf peeping, pumpkin patches, and trick-or-treating. While Belize has adopted Halloween celebrations, we also honor a few other seasonal traditions during this timeframe. While many tourists flock to the country in winter and spring, fall is also a wonderful time to visit and explore these unique celebrations that highlight the diversity of Belizean traditions. Here are three fall festivities you might not have heard about.
Los Finados
Photo by Gerardo Covarrubias on Unsplash
Los Finados, or “The Day of the Dead,” is a bittersweet celebration that honors deceased loved ones. Celebrated primarily in the Maya and Mestizo communities, this event takes place in early November, aligning with the global observance of Día de los Muertos. Families create altars adorned with photos, candles, and favorite foods of the departed, inviting their spirits to join in the festivities.
Similar: November and December: The Months for Foodie Travels in Belize
The atmosphere is filled with a blend of mourning and celebration, as communities come together to remember those who have passed. This tradition is most alive in the village of Benque Viejo del Carmen near the western border where you’ll find dedicated Catholic Masses followed by candle-lit processions to the local cemetery. It’s a unique opportunity to witness the deep cultural roots of the Mestizo people and to appreciate how the living honor their ancestors.
Belize International Film Festival
Photo by the Belize Tourism Board
Held in the capital city of Belmopan, the 17th edition of the Belize International Film Festival will be hosted by the University of Belize from November 6th to 10th. The festival features screenings, workshops, and discussions with filmmakers and industry professionals. Attendees can enjoy everything from feature films to documentaries and short films. With the theme of Climate Justice, this year’s festival will showcase a diverse lineup of films that inspire action, raise awareness, and illuminate the path toward a sustainable future. The festival not only provides a platform for emerging filmmakers but also creates an engaging atmosphere where attendees can connect and celebrate the art of storytelling.
Deer Dance Ceremony
Photo by the Belize Tourism Board
The Deer Dance is a fascinating traditional ritual celebrated by the Maya communities in Belize. Held at various times throughout the year for special occasions or religious ceremonies, this colorful event is rooted in ancient Maya symbolism. It depicts the story of the Maya’s connection to nature, the cycle of life and death, and the relationship between humans and animals. Participants don elaborate costumes and intricately carved masks to depict the different characters in the story like the deer, the hunters, and the shaman. Traditional instruments including drums, turtle shells, maracas, and flutes provide the soundtrack for the dancer’s leaps and bounds as they act out the thrill of the hunt.
Attending a Deer Dance Ceremony is a chance to immerse yourself in Maya culture and witness a ritual passed down through generations. The city of Belmopan celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Resistance Day with a cultural festival at the Mopan Field on October 14th and the Deer Dance was the headline performance.
Featured Photo by the Belize Tourism Board
