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U.S. Citizens Encouraged to Register
with U.S. Embassy in Belize
U.S. citizens traveling to Belize are encouraged to register with the U.S. Belize Embassy, to facilitate assistance in case of emergency. Travelers can do so online (at belize.usembassy.gov) or in person. The U.S. Embassy is located on Floral Park Road in the capital city of Belmopan.

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 20) about arranging travel around events and holidays in Belize.

Here is a short list of Belize national celebrations:

New Year's Day, Jan. 1

Baron Bliss Day, March 9: 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 2010 is April 4.

Labor Day, May 1

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

St. George's Caye Day, Sept. 10: Recognizing British victory over Spain in a territorial struggle here in 1798.

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

Columbus Day, Oct. 12

Nov. 19, Garifuna 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

Shopping & Gift Ideas in Belize

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.

Getting Married in Belize

Getting Married in Belize Many couples select Belize to tie the knot or renew their wedding vows. No wonder, given the romantic tropical settings here, from a lush rainforest or jungle waterfall locale to a white sand beach with palm trees and the aqua Caribbean waters in the background.

Many of our hotels and resorts can easily help couples plan both exotic and traditional weddings, including marriage license arrangements and other details from music to flowers, so couples can relax and enjoy this unique lifetime experience. Ask a Magnum Belize travel planner for more details on getting married or renewing your wedding vows in Belize.

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