Placencia Events
The national holidays of Belize commemorate important dates from national history and demonstrate the country’s multiculturalism, as the events come from a variety of cultures and ethnicities. There is March 9, National Heroes and Benefactors Day, inspired by a wealthy British traveler who willed a large fortune to the people of Belize in 1926. The Battle of St. George’s Caye, which was fought between the British and Spanish in 1798 just off the coast of Belize City, is remembered on September 10 each year, with the country’s annual Independence Day occurring later that month on the 21st (Belize gained full autonomy as an independent nation in 1981). Pan-American Day, celebrated throughout Central and South America to remember the struggles for independence in those countries, occurs on October 13, while a holiday unique to Belize, commemorating the landing of the Garifuna people, is celebrated on November 19. You are likely to find some kind of festivities in Placencia on all of these days.
There are also other regular events in the area worth attending.
JUNE – Lobsterfest
In late June, Placencia Village opens lobster season (traditionally the livelihood of many townspeople) with an annual three-day Lobsterfest. Not only is there lots of delicious food, raffles, fishing tournaments and other fun activities are organized during this event as well. Later in the summer, usually in August, Placencia hosts a Country Fest that features a soccer (football) tournament, beach volleyball games, boat races and crafts exhibits while local bands play on a makeshift stage in the town center throughout the day.
FEBRUARY – Sidewalk Arts Festival
One of the best festivals in Placencia is the annual Placencia Peninsula Arts Association Sidewalk Art Festival in Placencia Village over Valentine’s Day weekend. Artists and crafts people from all over the country are represented, from major Belize artists such as Pen Cayetano, to Mayan woodcarvers from the jungles of the Toledo District, to Mennonite quilters. Ethnic dances are also featured throughout the day, including traditional Creole and Garifuna dancing and drumming. The weekend also includes a Saturday night dance, always a treat in Placencia because of its eclectic mix of locals, ex-pats, tourists and people “just passing through.”
DECEMBER – Marathon
Placencia’s innagural End of the World in 2012 set the pace for Placencia as an annual destination marathon. The 2013 race saw runners from several countries as well as more than 100 Belizeans running the half or full 26 miles. The marathon is held annually in early December, and is a fundraiser. used for high school scholarships.