A quick note about this years Lobsterfests in Belize dates for anyone planning to travel and enjoy them.
The 2023/24 Belize lobster season is long over, ending – as it does every year – back around the end of February. But here at the end of May, it’s time to start thinking about all things crustacean again and look forward to the upcoming 2024/25 lobster fishing season, set to start in July. There’s four or five weeks left to go, sure, but in Belize, lobster season always starts with a party, and parties oftentimes need some planning to attend. So consider this a reminder.
Like we just said, In Belize, the spiny lobster fishing season always begins with a party. Over the years, these Lobsterfests have become major dates in the calendars of coastal communities, especially San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Placencia.
Lobster-Themed Carnivals
Think of them as lobster-themed carnivals, where locals, tourists, and expats come together to celebrate the return of the fishing season, and the livelihoods of so many. That return of people’s livelihoods is, after all, the traditional reason for these celebrations. They allow communities to give thanks for the opportunity to work again after four months of lobster fishing prohibition.
Over the years, these communal celebrations have grown into some of Belize’s best parties. They’ve become tourist attractions in their own right. Hotels book out in advance and a party vibe gets going, as the beers flow with the myriad of lobster dishes available.
So if you’re a lover of lobster, then you’ll love Lobsterfest. Belize is a barbecue-based society, so you’ll find people grilling these delicious crustaceans on every street corner. You’ll find lobster kebabs, curried lobster, lobster burgers, and… and… well, anything else you can think of. It’s a true lobsterfest.
Lobsterfest Dates for 2024
This year, to get to the point of this article, the big three Lobsterfests in Belize get underway in July:
San Pedro Lobsterfest:
The San Pedro Lobsterfest on the island of Ambergris Caye runs the longest, from July 1st to July 15th. If you’re planning on visiting San Pedro during the first half of July, get your accommodations booked as soon as possible. It’s gonna be a busy one.
Caye Caulker Lobsterfest:
Caye Caulker holds its Lobsterfest on July 12th, 13th, and 14th. A three-day celebration that’s shorter than San Pedro’s, but no less fun. If you’re not all lobstered out from two weeks of lobsterfesting in San Pedro, you can nip over to Caye Caulker for more. Again, make sure you have your accommodations booked in advance if you’re planning to visit Caye Caulker during these days.
Placencia Lobsterfest:
And then there’s the Placencia Lobsterfest, also running for three days from July 5th to July 7th. This one is famous for its massive beach parties, and again you can expect the town to be full across this weekend. It’s a pity that Placencia and Caye Caulker run concurrently, but you can still work it out to attend them all and get your Lobsterfest hat trick if you’re a true lobster aficionado.
Whichever Lobsterfest in Belize you attend, again, and we can’t stress this enough, make sure you get your accommodations arranged in advance. And enjoy that unique blend of lobster and festival you can only find in Belize.
James Dyde is the editor of centralamerica.com. He lives in Escazu, Costa Rica.