Carnaval de San Pedro 2025 in Belize

Get ready to be sprayed with paint during this vibrant week-long celebration in San Pedro! Carnaval de San Pedro (Fiesta de Carnaval) takes place every year, during the last week before Lent, on Ambergris Caye, the largest island of Belize. This folklore tradition, which dates back to the 19th century, blends the Caribbean and Spanish traditions. Paint and flour fights, music, and dancing are the main highlights of the festivities.

Carnival Customs & Traditions

During this holiday, which takes place in downtown San Pedro, local men often dress up as women. Participants also engage in group dances called “comparsas.” People from all over Belize flock to the carnival to participate in painting contests, flamboyant parades, and street parties. Every day of the event, the streets of San Pedro are bustling with crowds of spectators, vibrantly dressed revelers, live music and dancing performances.

The official festivities span over the course of three days, but the celebration continues up until the beginning of Lent. The first day of the carnival is dedicated to the color white and children. They paint their faces white and engage in color fights without adults, which makes the San Pedro carnival a perfect family-friendly destination. The second day is reserved for red and blue paint, while the fourth day, dedicated to Juan Carnaval, is marked with black color.

On the last day of the festivities, chaos rules the streets of San Pedro as people pour natural paints and flour over each other. Oil paints and eggs are not allowed during color fights. Foam paint parties, neon paint parties, comprasas talent show, and concerts by local musicians are just some of the entertainment options at this spectacle.

Location & Schedule

The paint parties take place in several locations but are mainly centered around the heart of San Pedro. Family-friendly celebrations on the first day usually take place at Boca del Rio Park, while other festivities unfold in Central Park. If you don't want to participate in painting, consider avoiding the painting zone, as well as parking further away from the epicenter of the celebration. The family-friendly activities normally span from noon until 8 pm, while festivities in Central Park unfold from 4 pm to 10 pm.

Festival History & Origins

San Pedro Carnival was first held in the 1870s, originating in eclectic mestizo culture. Its main character was Juan Carnaval, who, according to the legend, made love to many women from different countries before he was killed by his jealous wife. In modern times, the puppet of Juan Carnaval is burned as a symbol of redemption to purify the community before Lent.