The four-day Easter holiday is one of the best times to visit Belize. Throughout the country, families celebrate the time off from work and school and fabulous weather with feasts, parades, sporting events, and exploring the great outdoors. A combination of religious piety and exuberant celebrations make Easter a great time for visitors from the United States, Canada, and Europe to experience a true taste of Belize.
As the holiday approaches, the shop windows in Belize will begin to stock familiar favorites like chocolate eggs, bunnies, jelly beans, and marshmallow chicks. Belizeans working overseas head back to their home country to enjoy family meals that reflect the unique diversity of local culture. Traditional foods to eat in Belize on Easter include fried fish, potatoes, hot cross buns, garnaches (a bean tortilla), tamales, and salbutes (a tortilla filled with cabbage and chicken).
The four-day Easter weekend officially begins on Good Friday, a time for offering up prayers and attending church. Alcohol sales are banned and the country marks a moment of silence at 3:00 PM, the traditional observance of the moment of Jesus’s death. In some predominately Catholic villages, the Passion of Christ is re-enacted with large crowds following the Stations of the Cross before attending midnight mass.
As dawn breaks on Holy Saturday, the mood turns more festive. The shops and markets open and locals stock up on a multitude of delicious goodies. One of the most popular sporting events of the year takes place in Belize City. Held every year since 1928, the Cross Country Cycling Classic features racers making a grueling 140-mile round trip from Belize City to San Ignacio.
The morning of Easter Sunday is a time for church service followed by family meals. The excellent weather is perfect for picnics, and Belizeans love to frolic and play outdoors or swim at the nearest beach or watering hole. A hugely popular horse race takes place in the village of Burrell Boom where large crowds from all walks of life cheer on the gaily-adorned jockeys.
Easter Monday is the final day of the holiday. Friends and family members take advantage of their last day off to explore the great outdoors, visit popular attractions, and attend live musical concerts and parades.
The date of Easter changes every year, but it always seems like the weather cooperates with abundant sunshine and balmy perfect temperatures. Belizean folklore says that anyone who goes swimming on Good Friday will turn into a fish, but the four-day holiday is ideal for anyone wanting to explore ancient Maya ruins, snorkel and scuba dive the offshore reef, or enjoy a picnic at one of the many national parks and nature reserves.
Belize has a very diverse population. The dominant faith in the country is Roman Catholic Catholicism but German-speaking Mennonites, Anglicans, and other Protestant denominations celebrate Easter in their own way. Smaller groups like the Garifuna (an Afro-Caribbean culture) and the Maya also observe unique traditions. Gorging on sweets, feasting on home cooked foods, and admiring the flower blossoms are all part of why everyone in Belize looks forward to the Easter holidays.
Black Orchid Resort in Burrel Boom Village, Belize
Just 15 minutes by car from Belize City, the Black Orchid Resort in the village of Burrell Boom is an ideal place to stay for travelers interested in visiting Belize for Easter. Elegantly integrated into the natural environment, the Black Orchid Resort offers travelers modern conveniences with 16 rooms, 7 luxury suites, and two villas. An on-site swimming pool, gift shop, bar and gourmet restaurant allow travelers to relax on the banks of the pristine Belize River.
Questions about traveling to Belize for Easter? Send us an email or call 866-437-1301. We will love to help you plan your Belize Easter Vacation.