Taste the Legacy of Cacao in Belize
Get ready to head to Southern Belize in May for an immersion of cacao and culture at the annual Chocolate Festival of Belize! The festival happens in various parts of the Toledo District, like Bella Vista Village, San Antonio Village, and Punta Gorda Town. This year’s celebration is under the theme “Taste the Legacy. Savour The Future.”
Cacao Crash Course
Cacao dates back several millennia to indigenous groups in Mesoamerica, such as the Olmecs, Aztecs, and the Maya. During the ancient Maya Civilization (in Belize), cacao was considered the “Food of the Gods.” It was considered sacred and more important than gold. Can you imagine that? Cacao was a staple to the Maya economically, spiritually, and physically as far as 2000 years ago. They used the cacao beans as a form of currency. Also, they indulged in cacao-infused food and drinks, which they still do today! During the 1500s, the Spanish conquistadors exported cacao to Europe and started manufacturing cocoa products.
Belize was a significant hub for cacao production. From the mid to late 1980s, Hershey, a US-based company, had their main cacao farm in Belize. However, when the cost of cacao declined, they abandoned the project. There have been several shifts in industries in Belize, but the cacao industry has made a significant resurgence over the years. Therefore, the Chocolate Festival of Belize is a sought-after event network with cacao farmers and chocolatiers in the “Chocolate Capital of Belize.”
Chocolate Festival of Belize
Official Launch
Saturday, May 3, 2025
The festival contains several events, from educational sessions to gala affairs and neighborhood engagements. The festivities kick off with the Official Launch weeks before the main events. It includes a traditional Pok-Ta-Pok ball game, musical entertainment, and exciting school performances to set the tone for what’s ahead!
Cacao Symposium
Friday, May 16, 2025
It’s time for the chocolate celebration to commence! The weekend agenda starts with the Cacao Symposium, featuring insightful presentations about the ancient old fruit. You can also engage in a question-and-answer segment and sample a few cacao products. There will also be a fun mascot and stage performance competition to entertain the audience!
Wine and Chocolate
Friday May 16, 2025
Wine down at the signature event held at Copal Tree Lodge – Wine and Chocolate! It’s a night of socializing with several chocolate producers under the starry skies of Punta Gorda Town. With live performances by local musicians, it’s a soothing night to eat and sip wine, cocktails, and even an ice-cold cacao stout. Get dressed up and head to Wine and Chocolate!
Chocolate Street Fete
Saturday, May 17, 2025
On a bright Saturday morning, attend the Chocolate Street Fete at the Punta Gorda Welcome Plaza. Satisfy your appetite with authentic cuisines and chocolate treats as you stroll around the plaza to various exhibit booths. The stage will electrify the crowd with musical and cultural performances alongside competitions for the young and young at heart! Treat yourself to a souvenir, shopping from local artisans and small businesses. There are cool products like cacao soaps, scrubs, tea bags, and much more!
Cacao Cup
Sunday, May 18, 2025
The list of activities wraps up with the Cacao Cup football tournament in San Antonio Village. Cheer on a team with your chocolate snack, or sit and enjoy a plate of traditional food on sale. It will be a lively atmosphere filled with music and games for family and friends!
Make Your Chocolate
Before you leave Toledo, book a chocolate-making tour! From visiting a cacao farm to grinding the nibs and tasting pure cacao chocolate, you will have a hands-on experience of making traditional Maya chocolate.
Whether you’re a chocolate aficionado or want to explore Toledo, you’ll have a wonderful time at the Chocolate Festival of Belize!
