The U.S. Embassy serves in a variety of ways in Belize. It will issue temporary travel documents in the event of a lost passport, and funds to get back to the United States if needed. The embassy handles arrangements in the event a U.S. citizen dies in Belize, and ensures that a U.S. citizen is treated fairly if incarcerated.

Holidays, Events, Celebrations
There are numerous city celebrations and theme events in Belize throughout the year, including Fiesta de Carnaval one week before Lent; the Cashew Festival in Crooked Tree Village; the Deer Dance Festival in the Toledo District; Placencia Lobster Fest, and Costa Maya in San Pedro. Consult with Magnum Belize's travel planners (page 13) about arranging travel around events and holidays in Belize.

Here is a short list of Belize national celebrations:

Nov. 19, Garifuna Settlement Day: Reenactments of the landing of the first boats of the Garinagu in Belize are performed in town celebrations with cultural drummers and dancers and traditional food.

Christmas: Dec. 25

Boxing Day: Dec. 26

New Year's Day: Jan. 1

March 9, Baron Bliss Day: Baron Bliss, who died on March 9, 1926, was a British philanthropist who bequeathed his fortune to Belize. Baron Bliss Day is also Flag Day in Belize.

Easter: Holy Week is recognized in Belize; Easter Sunday in 2008 is March 23.

Belize Labor Day: May 1

May 24, Commonwealth Day: Recognizing the British empire; Belize is a former British colony.

Sept. 11, National Day (St. George's Caye Day): Recognizing British victory over Spain in a territorial struggle here in 1798.

Sept. 21, Independence Day: Belize celebrates its independence from Britain.

Oct. 13, Pan American Day: Celebrating Mestizo culture.

Artwork: The independence and imagination of the Belizean people makes them wonderful artists. One idea is handmade Mayan calendar needlepoint stitchings.

Wood Carvings, Furniture: Mahogany and other native hardwoods are turned into graceful, flowing sculptures in the hands of Belizean artists.

Music and CDs: Punta rock music is a cornerstone of Belizean popular culture.

Jewelry: Black coral is available in necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Be sure to buy from a reputable dealer who has obtained the coral legally. Hand-made Mayan jewelry is also popular.

Food: One of the most famous is Marie Sharp's hot sauces processed near Dangriga, which come in a range of delicious flavors.

Healing herbs: Bottled versions of traditional Mayan and Creole medicines offer help for a variety of healthful benefits.

Liquor: The duty-free shop at the airport offers a range of Caribbean rums (Rompope is a popular Belizean-made rum cream). Also, look for inexpensive local liquors, including coconut rum, cashew wine and cherry liqueur. The Green Bottle Winery in Dangriga sells locally made wine.

Slate Carvings: A traditional Mayan art form, with designs that include Mayan deities and symbols for the months, seasons, stars and planets.

Baskets: Can be found in a wide range of handmade styles and sizes.

Clothing: Many styles available, some custom-made in Belize with bright Caribbean colors.

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