Belize's Best Buys: Authentic Souvenirs

Belize is a great place to pick up souvenirs, with a wide range of locally-made products to choose from. The country's rich cultural history and craftsmanship are reflected in its unique and varied handicrafts, which include Mayan baskets and textiles, local art, and wood carvings.

Belize is also known for its food and drink, with popular edible souvenirs including chocolate, hot sauce, coffee, and, of course, rum.

For those looking for a memento that's easier to pack, there are also stickers, CDs, and t-shirts.

Local drinks: rum, rum cake, and beer

Belize is known for its local drinks, including refreshing fruit juices and potent cocktails. Here are some of the local drinks you can try and buy as souvenirs:

Rum

Belizean rum is made with locally grown sugarcane and comes in various blends and varieties, catering to different taste preferences. One of the most well-known brands is Traveller's Rum, bottled in Belize City. Their most famous variety is the One-Barrel Rum, aged for a minimum of one year in Kentucky Oak Barrels, with a burnt caramel taste. It has won several awards and is a favourite among tourists. For those who enjoy a smoother, more subtle taste, Caribbean Rum is a popular local variety. It is sold across grocery stores in Belize and at souvenir shops at the international airport in Belize City.

Rum Punch

A classic Caribbean cocktail, rum punch is made with light and dark rum, cream of coconut, sours mix, grenadine, and pineapple juice. It is a perfect drink to enjoy on the beach or a night out. The drink's coconut flavour is subtle, thanks to the sours mix.

Beer

Belikin beer is the national beer of Belize and the most popular beer in the country. It is a refreshing lager with a crisp, clean taste, perfect for hot days spent lounging on the beach. Beliken beer is brewed in Belize City using locally sourced ingredients, including malted barley, hops, and water from the country's pristine rivers. They offer a range of beers, including Belikin Lager, Belikin Stout, and the fruity Belikin Sorrel Stout. You can find Belikin beer at grocery stores across Belize and the Belikin Store inside the international airport's waiting lounge.

Rum Cake

If you're not a big drinker, you can still enjoy the local rum by trying the delicious rum cake. It is a perfect souvenir to bring back a taste of Belize without having to buy bottles of alcohol.

Local crafts: Mayan baskets and textiles

Mayan baskets and textiles are a must-buy when shopping for souvenirs in Belize. These beautiful and intricate indigenous handicrafts are a testament to the rich history and culture of the Maya people, who have inhabited the region for over 3,000 years.

The Jippi Jappa palm, also known as Sabal Mexicana, is native to the rainforests of Southern Belize and is used by Mayan women to weave baskets of various sizes and designs. The process of basket weaving is a labour of love, taking several days to complete just one basket. The palm leaves are carefully prepared, with the centre removed to expose the fibres, which are then tied together, boiled, washed, and dried before the weaving can begin. The result is a stunning and functional work of art that can be used to store jewellery, mementos, coins, vegetables, clothing, or even secret treasures.

In addition to baskets, Mayan women also weave tableware, furniture, and clothing from the Jippi Jappa palm. These items are not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing, adding a touch of Mayan culture to any home.

Another notable Mayan craft is textile-making. The Hibiscus Mayan Arts & Craft Women's Cooperative, led by Mrs Teressa Cal, creates beautiful purses and other textile souvenirs for tourists. The cooperative, comprised of single mothers and women from the Santa Cruz Village, showcases and markets their crafts in Santa Cruz Toledo and at The Belize Shop in Orange Walk District.

When shopping for Mayan baskets and textiles in Belize, be sure to visit local markets and artisan shops, such as the Artisan Market on Back Street in San Pedro, to find unique and authentic pieces that support local artisans and preserve the ancient traditions of the Maya people.

Local food: chocolate and hot sauce

Belize is known for its delicious chocolate, and there are plenty of chocolate souvenirs to buy. The Belize Chocolate Company in San Pedro offers everything from bars to truffles, cookies, chocolate tea, chocolate soaps, and cocoa powder. You can also take a chocolate-making class to learn about the process and try grinding the chocolate yourself. Their chocolate products are reasonably priced and make great souvenirs, as they travel well in the heat.

If you're looking for something unique, the Belize Chocolate Company offers Mayan chocolate, which is thick and frothy and often combined with chilli peppers, honey, or water. You can also find chocolate at resort gift shops and local shops, where you may even be able to see the production process.

For hot sauce lovers, Belize has plenty of options as well. Marie Sharp's hot sauce is a popular choice and is considered one of the best hot pepper sauces in the world. It comes in several flavours and heat levels, from mild to extreme heat. You can find it in grocery stores across Belize or at the international airport. If you're looking for something less well-known and more local, many restaurants in Belize make their own hot sauce, which you can sometimes buy. Other popular hot sauces include SPYCE and Lizano.

Local music: CDs by local musicians

Belize has a rich and varied musical history, influenced by the Maya, Garifuna, Creole, Mestizo, European, and African cultures. The country's music is known for its unique blend of styles and instruments, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage. Here are some recommended CDs by local musicians to consider purchasing as souvenirs from Belize:

• Andy Palacio's "Watina" album: Released on the Belizean record label "Stone Tree Records", this album showcases a fusion of traditional Garifuna music forms with more modern sounds. Palacio is known for popularizing Garifuna music and preserving its cultural importance.
• Creole Brukdown by Wilfred Peters: Brukdown is a popular musical style in Belize, especially among the Creole community. It evolved from the music and dance of loggers and features instruments like the banjo, guitar, drums, and donkey's jawbone. Wilfred Peters is a renowned Creole musician who has mastered this unique genre.
• Garifuna Folk Music Compilations: Explore the rich tradition of Garifuna folk music with compilations featuring various artists. This style of music has many different forms, including punta, hungu-hungu, combination, wanaragua, abaimahani, and more. The drums are a crucial element in Garifuna music, often made from local hardwoods and animal skins.
• Mestizo Marimba Music by Alma Belicena and Los Angeles Marimba Band: Marimba is a signature instrument of Mestizo music in Belize, brought by immigrants from Guatemala and Mexico. Alma Belicena and Los Angeles Marimba Band are celebrated performers who showcase the energetic and rhythmic nature of this musical style.
• Punta Rock by Lova Boy: Punta and Punta Rock are popular dance music genres in Belize, developed by Garifuna musicians. Lova Boy is a well-known artist in this genre, blending traditional African-influenced rhythms with modern lyrics to create a style similar to reggae.
• Contemporary Belizean Artists: For a taste of modern Belizean music, consider purchasing albums by artists like Shyne, Hanal Pixan, Ascenthium, or Pen Cayetano. These artists represent the evolving music scene in Belize, incorporating genres like reggae, hip-hop, rock, and metal.

Remember to look for CDs in local gift shops, music stores, or cultural markets during your visit to Belize. Supporting local musicians is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the country's vibrant cultural heritage and create lasting memories of your trip.

Local coffee: beans or ground coffee

Coffee lovers, rejoice! If you're looking for the perfect souvenir to remember your Belizean vacation, why not bring home some locally grown coffee beans or ground coffee? While Belize might not be a large producer of coffee beans, you'll be surprised by the high quality and delicious flavour of their local brews.

One of the best places to find locally grown coffee is the Gallon Jug Estate in western Belize. Here, you'll discover coffee cultivated under the cool shade of the Mayan rainforest. The beans are grown and carefully hand-picked by local villagers, ensuring only the ripest beans make it into your cup. Gallon Jug Coffee, the leading coffee brand in Belize, offers exquisite 100% Arabica coffee beans that can be purchased at most supermarkets.

If you're looking for a unique coffee experience, head to Caye Coffee Roasting Company in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. This small coffee manufacturing company takes pride in providing local resorts, restaurants, and gift shops with fresh-roasted, delicious coffee. Using high-elevation Arabica beans from Guatemala, they roast their coffee on-site and offer it as whole bean or ground coffee. You can even watch the owner meticulously roasting the beans to perfection! Caye Coffee is available nationwide in grocery stores across Belize, so you can easily stock up on your favourite blend.

For a truly special souvenir, consider purchasing a bag of coffee beans from Saul's Coffee and Cigar Shop, also located on Middle Street in San Pedro. Not only can you find delicious coffee here, but you can also treat yourself to some creamed and flavoured rums that pair perfectly with their coffee. So, whether you're a caffeine aficionado or just enjoy a cup every now and then, bringing home some local coffee from Belize is a wonderful way to support local businesses and prolong the taste of your tropical vacation.

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