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Social Profile
Food & Drink: There is a selection of restaurants which serve international, Chinese, Latin American and Creole food. Service and quality vary but the food is generally cheap. Bars are plentiful and local drinks include coconut rum mixed with pineapple juice. The local Belikin beer is worth sampling.
Nightlife: There is live dancing late in the evenings at Bellevue Hotel and quiet music at Fort George Bar overlooking the harbour. In addition, there are popular nightclubs throughout Belize that feature local bands at weekends.
Shopping: Handicrafts, woodcarvings and straw items are on sale. Jewellery in pink and black coral, and tortoiseshell (not to be imported to the USA) used to be good buys, but now there are severe restrictions on the export of these and some other goods in the interests of wildlife conservation. ‘In-Bond’ stores carry watches, perfumes and other duty-free purchases, but Belize is not comparable in size to other free ports in the Caribbean. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1200, 1300-1630 and 1900-2100.
Special Events: For further details, contact the Belize Tourism Board (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events occurring annually in Belize:
Jan 1 Krem New Year’s Cycling Classic; Horse Racing in Burrell Boom. Feb 7-9 International Billfish Tournament. Feb 9 Valentine Cycle Race. Mar San Jose Succotz Festival (local fair celebrating patron saint). Mar 7-10 La Ruta Maya Canoe River Challenge. Mar 9 Agricultural Show (northern Belize); San Cas Belmopan Cycling Classic. Apr 19 Holy Saturday Cycling Classic. Apr 19-21 Easter Fair (in San Ignacio). Apr 21 Burrell Boom Cycle and Horse Races. May Summer Blue Water Tournament (St George’s Caye); Cayo Expo (San Ignacio, display of local products); Children’s Arts Festival; Arts and Crafts Exhibitions and Performing Nights. May 1 Horse Race in Burrel Boom and Orange Walk District; BWU Cycling Classic. May 3-4 Cashew Festival (Crooked Tree Village). May 11 Mother’s Day Cycling Classic. May 16-18 National Agricultural and Trade Show (Belmopan). May 25 Horse race in Burrel Boom and Orange Walk District. Jun Placencia Mountain Bike Classic. Jun 27-29 Placencia Lobster Fest. Jun 30 Dia de San Pedro (boat parade and blessing). Jul 4-6 Lobster Festival (Caye Caulker). Jul 18-20 Benque Viejo Fiesta (cultural show celebrating patron saint). Aug Deer Dance Festival (San Antonio Village Toledo). Aug 14-17 International Costa Maya Festival (Ambergris Caye). Sep 7-8 Fiestarama (Orange Walk Town). Sep 9 Fire Engine Parade (Belize City). Sep 20 Flag Raising Ceremonies. Oct 11-12 Belikin Spectacular Fishing Tournament.
Social Conventions: British influence can still be seen in many social situations. Flowers or confectionary are acceptable gifts to give to hosts if invited to their home for a meal. Dress is casual, although beachwear should not be worn in towns. It may be inadvisable to discuss politics, particularly if of a partisan nature. Tipping: Few places add service charges, and ten per cent is normal. Taxi drivers are not tipped.
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