Belize Chocolate Festival

Every year, chocolate lovers from around the world head to Punta Gorda and the Toledo District of southern Belize to enjoy live music, fine wine, and sample some of the world’s best chocolate. The southern Toledo District of Belize has been growing chocolate since the days of the ancient Maya civilization, and the region is famous for making some of the finest chocolate available anywhere.

The 2018 Chocolate Festival is a three-day event that will be held from May 18-20, 2018. Day one (May 18th) of the Chocolate Festival begins at 10:00 PM at Punta Gorda’s Civic Center and is considered the Pre-Chocolate Fest Bash.

Day two of the festival, May 19, is the Taste of Toledo street fair held all along Front Street in Punta Gorda. A pedestrian-only zone for the day, Taste of Toledo sees local chefs from all of the region’s five biggest cultural groups, Creole (Kriol), Garifuna, Maya, Mestizo, and East Indian compete to offer hungry attendees the finest savory dishes and desserts made from chocolate. A mouthwatering array of boutique chocolates from local chocolatiers, including Che’il, Cotton Tree, Ix Cacao, and MOHO will also be available at the event for tasting. Live music will be provided by several local troupes, and handmade crafts, artwork, and games suitable for the whole family.

The Taste of Toledo street fair also has a special Cacao for Kids area where kids can enjoy face painting, jewelry making, games, finger painting, a puppet show, and demonstrations from local chocolatiers on how they make their delicious concoctions.

And on the night of May 19 at Garbutt’s Marine in Punta Gorda, the Pandemonium Steel Orchestra will play live music and attendees can also sample Belikin’s Chocolate Stout specially brewed for the occasion.

The third and final day of the Chocolate Festival, Sunday, May 20, 2018, will be held at the Nim Li Punit Temple Grounds about 45 minutes from Punta Gorda. Beginning at 10:10 am, festival-goers will enjoy live music from Maya harp groups, Marimba troupes, and a special demonstration of Pok ta Pok, the ancient Maya ball game. Sample tasty chocolate desserts or try ancient Maya drinks like cacao mixed with corn, pepper, and other ingredients.

Barefoot Rentals and Services is proud to offer rental vehicles for travelers wishing to enjoy all the fun and food of the 2018 Chocolate Festival. Based in southern Belize, Barefoot is a locally-owned and operated company with a fleet of modern, well-maintained vehicles ideal for exploring the natural beauty and wonders of Belize.

Barefoot Rentals and Services can also arranged for lodging and organized tours to all of the top destinations in the country, including the Chocolate Festival.