While some places have Spring Break, Belize has Easter and, yes, it is a very big deal. It’s one of the longest holidays of the year, and Belizeans look towards it with eager anticipation every year. For many, Easter—and the Holy Week—is a time of praise and worship. For others, it’s a period that promises some much-needed respite in the form of travel and quality time with friends and relatives. While the official dates for Easter vary from year to year, in 2025 it will be observed from April 18th to 21st.
Belize’s Easter Tradition
From food to festivals, Easter in Belize is synonymous with fun activities that the entire family can enjoy. Celebrations begin as early as a week before, with Palm Sunday, and there’s plenty to do between then and Easter Monday.
In terms of food, hot cross buns are the star of the show throughout the week. They’re a thematic spin on the traditional Creole bun—a soft, dense, and lightly spiced delicacy that’s beloved across the country. In Belize City, there’s even a competition for who can make the best buns.
On Good Friday, many Belizeans also opt to enjoy some form of fish. Whether it’s in the form of a mouthwatering soup like sere or accompanied by rice and beans is left up to personal preference. During the day, witness live reenactments of the Passion of Christ and enjoy the slow pace of things that prevails across towns and cities.
Speaking of Good Friday—are you superstitious? In Belize, there’s a longstanding belief that swimming on this particular day should be avoided at all costs (unless you want to be turned into a mermaid, that is).
Things get a bit livelier on Holy Saturday thanks to the annual Cross Country Cycling Classic. The race is one of the biggest events for Easter in Belize. It sees cyclists from across the region make a heart-pumping, 140-mile journey from Belize City to San Ignacio and back. Beyond the race, Saturday is also when many families take some time to travel, whether it’s visiting one of the cayes or heading across the border to Mexico or Guatemala.
Easter Sunday offers a blend of fun and reverence, with many families beginning their day at Sunday Mass. Later, one can expect a variety of special events across the country, including easter egg hunts for the kids as well as fairs and beach parties.
Finally, on Easter Monday, many might opt to unwind and relax in preparation for the coming work week. But the one tradition that shouldn’t be missed is heading out to Burrel Boom for some thrilling horse races.
The Two Places to Visit for Easter in Belize
Wondering where to go for Easter in Belize? Without a doubt, the town of Benque Viejo del Carmen should be at the top of your list. This tiny town flanking Belize’s border with Guatemala is home to some of the best and most authentic traditional Easter celebrations. That includes reenactment events like the Stations of the Cross. During the week, Benque also comes alive with color as artists decorate the streets with beautiful alfombras de acerrin or sawdust carpets.
For fun and relaxation, head to Caye Caulker. Easter is one of the few times of the year when the small island becomes a hub of activity. All weekend long, expect lively parties with some of the country’s top DJs as headliners.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, get to know Belize a little bit better by joining in on the Easter fun.
