Since time immemorial, the people of the Placencia Peninsula have celebrated the opening of lobster season with a festival dedicated to the tasty crustacean. Long before foreign tourists had discovered Belize, Lobsterfest was an important festival that celebrated the hardworking fishermen and their families in the region. Today, Placencia’s annual Lobsterfest is one of the most exciting and popular events of the season with plenty of music, entertainment and delicious food.
From June 22-24, 2016, the small village of Placencia in southern Belize will welcome thousands of local and international visitors to the Lobsterfest. The world’s favorite crustacean will be served in abundance, grilled, fried and cooked in a dozen different ways, all made according to Mayan, Garifuna, and Creole recipes. Alongside the ubiquitous lobster and gallons of drawn butter, there will be plenty of other delicious foods to sample, including fresh-caught fish, steak, pork, and chicken as well as plenty of local fruits and vegetables.
Live music will permeate the air as several musical acts will perform throughout the three-day festival, including a marching band. DJs will play popular music throughout the evening, pumping up the crowd as they enjoy the spectacular weather and atmosphere on the peninsula. Tropical drinks and cocktails will be flowing as well as plenty of locally-brewed beer. There will also be plenty on hand to do for the entire family, including art displays, booths selling handicrafts and souvenirs, and plenty of non-alcoholic drinks available.
For visitors to the Placencia Peninsula, the gorgeous beach resort of Laru Beya is the perfect place to stay. Located just a few minutes’ walk up the beach from all of the Lobsterfest action, the resort has elegantly appointed rooms with a private balcony overlooking the Caribbean, an onsite spa, and a full range of modern amenities including high-speed internet and air-conditioning.
Lobsterfest also doubles as a fundraiser, with donations going to help community projects on the peninsula. Coordinated by the Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association and the local village council, Lobsterfest is one of the most exciting and popular events of the year and a must-see stop for any visitors in the area.
