Halloween In Belize: A Cultural Celebration

Belize is known for its vibrant culture and lively celebrations, and Halloween is no exception. While the country has its own unique traditions and festivals, it has also embraced the North American holiday with enthusiasm. From costume parties to trick-or-treating, Belizeans, expats, and tourists alike come together to enjoy the spooky season in October. However, the celebrations in Belize go beyond the typical Halloween festivities, with a rich blend of cultural and religious observances that reflect the country's diverse heritage.

Trick-or-treating and costume parties

Belize does indeed celebrate Halloween, and typical Halloween activities like trick-or-treating and costume parties are to be found across the country. The influence of Western media and the growing number of expats in Belize have helped to establish these traditions.

Belizeans enjoy any excuse to party, and Halloween is no exception. During October, you will see locals, tourists, and expats dressed up as witches, zombies, pirates, vampires, and ghosts. Bars and shops decorate in typical holiday themes, with pumpkins and witch brooms, and pumpkin desserts and pumpkin lattes are available.

The best places to party are San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Placencia. The Holiday Hotel in San Pedro hosts an annual infamous Halloween soiree, and the Saga Humane Society in San Pedro also hosts a Halloween costume competition for pets. There are plenty of other spook-tacular parties happening simultaneously, so there is no shortage of venues for your monster entourage.

Trick-or-treating is also a common activity in Belize, especially among the younger generations.

Los Finados

The small village of Benque Veijo Del Carmen in Cayo is particularly known for its Los Finados celebrations, with Belizeans from across the country making an annual pilgrimage to the town. On 9th November, candles are placed along the roads to help the last souls find their way to the cemetery.

Maya shaman healing

The ancient Maya civilization is the highest cultural legacy of Mesoamerica, with its origins believed to be in the Yucatán around 2600 B.C. The Maya people developed advanced knowledge in mathematics, science, astronomy, and cosmology, as well as impressive architectural and medicinal achievements. Maya shamanism is an integral part of this rich cultural heritage, with its own unique healing and spiritual practices that have been passed down verbally and through generations of practitioners.

History of Maya Shamanism

Jose Santos Tamay, a Mayan shaman from the village of Xcalacoop, shares his insights into the history and practices of Maya shamanic healing. According to Jose, Mayan shamans, known as J'Men, are holistic healers who work with sacred Mayan knowledge, rituals, and spiritual traditions. J'Men serve their communities by addressing both physical and spiritual needs, treating the root causes of illnesses, and restoring harmony to a person's integral energies, known as "Chu'el".

Healing Practices

Mayan shamans use only the gifts of nature in their healing practices, primarily medicinal plants and aromatherapy. They also employ other techniques such as body massages, wraps, infusions, and bone alignment to purify a person's energy flow. The healing process often involves rituals, ceremonies, and spiritual guidance to address imbalances caused by internal and external factors.

Connection to Nature

Nature plays a crucial role in Maya spiritual beliefs and the shamanic traditions. The shamans understand humans as a holistic expression of the Universe's cosmic creative intelligence, with a deep connection to the Earth and its natural cycles. They view the planet, the material world, and spiritual energy fields as interconnected and worthy of reverence.

Rituals and Ceremonies

Mayan shamanic rituals and ceremonies are an important aspect of their spiritual practices. One such ceremony is the Ya'axche', which celebrates the sacred Ceiba tree as the centre of life on Earth, connecting heaven, Earth, and the underworld. Another ceremony involves the offering of the sacred beverage Báalche' to request peace and harmony for the community.

Spiritual Beliefs

The Maya people's spiritual beliefs revolve around the concept of a living universe where creative and destructive forces shape and transform our reality. They recognise the dualistic nature of their gods and deities, which represent different aspects of the cosmos and play a role in human life. Today, many Mayan priests and shamans blend Catholic symbols and traditions with their ancient spiritual practices due to historical religious repression.

The Maya shamanic healing traditions are a rich and complex part of the Mayan cultural legacy. Through their connection with nature, spiritual rituals, and holistic healing practices, Mayan shamans continue to preserve and share their ancient wisdom, contributing to the welfare of their communities and the preservation of their cultural heritage.

Belizean food and sweets

Belizean cuisine is a blend of Maya, British, Spanish-American, African, Indigenous, Caribbean, and Creole influences. Breakfast often consists of bread, flour tortillas, or fry jacks, accompanied by refried beans, cheese, and eggs. Midday meals vary, from lighter foods such as rice and beans, to soups and stews.

Belizean food is heavily influenced by its Central American and Caribbean neighbours. For example, one of the country's most famous dishes, Rice and Beans, is also found in Costa Rica and El Salvador.

• Fry Jacks: Fried dough typically eaten with refried beans and eggs.
• Johnny Cakes: A popular bread made with flour, coconut milk, baking powder, salt, and sugar. It is usually eaten with refried beans, cheese, or stewed chicken.
• Tamales: Corn dough, often containing a filling, that is wrapped in a corn husk or plantain leaves and steam-cooked.
• Panades: Fried corn patties with beans or seasoned shredded fish inside and topped with pickled onions.
• Garnaches: Fried tortillas topped with refried beans, chopped cabbage and tomato mix (or pickled onion), and cheese.
• Chimole: A thick Creole soup, also known as "black dinna." It is made with black recado, a paste created with seasonings and red peppers that turn dark when roasted. Chicken, tomatoes, onions, and pumpkin squash are also added.
• Hudut: A traditional fish coconut stew with green and ripe mashed plantains, considered the most well-known dish of the Garifuna people.
• Cochinita Pibil: Traditionally, a pig wrapped in banana leaves, slow-roasted in a pit in the ground, and served at family feasts.
• Boil Up: A root vegetable and salted pigtail stew in a tomato and onion sauce, usually topped with boiled eggs and flour dumplings.
• Pupusas: Small, round corncakes filled with cheese and beans or meat, brought to Belize by refugees from El Salvador.
• Bollos: Similar to tamales, these are made of corn dough filled with seasoned chicken or pork and wrapped in a plantain leaf.
• Conch Fritters: Tenderized conch mixed with onions, garlic, peppers, and flour, then pan-fried and served with a spicy sauce.
• Belizean Ceviche: Chopped raw conch and shrimp cured in fresh lime and pico de gallo, eaten as a snack with tortilla chips.
• Belizean Cheese Dip: A tangy, sometimes spicy blend of soft processed cheese, evaporated milk, green bell peppers, and homemade salsa, eaten as a snack with tortilla chips.
• Belizean Fudge: A sweet treat composed mainly of condensed milk, peanuts, sugar, and often rounded with raisins or shredded coconuts.
• Choco Banana: An iconic Belizean treat made by freezing bananas dipped in melted chocolate and nuts.
• Powderbun: A staple snack across Creole households, these are fluffy, slightly sweet bread-like treats that pair well with coffee or cheese.
• Wangla: A brittle-type candy made from sesame seeds, sugar, and water, commonly sold by street vendors.
• Tablata: A well-known Creole sweet treat made of coconut pieces and sugar syrup, often sold by street vendors.
• Cutobrute: A drop-type cookie similar to tablata, made with dried coconut, sugar, ginger, and local spices.

Belizean food is known for its bold use of spices and diverse cultural influences, making it a delightful culinary experience for locals and visitors alike.

Halloween celebrations in Placencia

Halloween is a time of celebration in Placencia, Belize, with festivities that span multiple days. The community comes together to mark the occasion, embracing the fun and excitement of the holiday. From costume parties to trick-or-treating, Placencia embraces the spirit of Halloween with enthusiasm.

Barefoot Bar Halloween Bash

The Barefoot Bar Halloween party is a highlight of the celebrations in Placencia. This annual event sees costumed locals and visitors alike gathering for a night of dancing and fun. The DJ spins thrilling tracks, creating an energetic atmosphere. The bar is located on the beach, providing a unique setting for the celebrations.

Tipsy Tuna

For those seeking a different ambiance, the Tipsy Tuna bar offers an alternative right next door to the Barefoot Bar. Here, reggae music sets the tone, providing a contrast to the DJ beats next door. The variety of music and settings ensures that partygoers can find their preferred style and atmosphere.

Kids' Celebrations

Halloween in Placencia is not just for adults, as the little ones have their own special celebrations. A kids' parade, featuring impressive floats and costumed youngsters, makes its way from the pier through the town. Trophies are awarded to the best-dressed participants, and candy is distributed generously. The children then continue the fun with traditional trick-or-treating, knocking on doors and collecting treats from the beautifully decorated houses.

Dia de los Muertos

Following the Halloween festivities, Placencia also observes Dia de los Muertos on November 1st. This day commemorates the passing of loved ones, with Belizeans honouring their departed family members. It is a more subdued and personal affair compared to the lively Halloween celebrations, but it is equally significant in the culture of Placencia.

Frequently asked questions