The Garifuna community of Hopkins in southeastern Belize will host the 2017 Mango Festival on June 3-4 at the church grounds of the Holy Family Catholic Church. A small, idyllic fishing and farming village located on the Caribbean coast, Hopkins will celebrate this year’s mango harvest with a two-day festival that includes live music, games, culinary delights, and lots of mango-related fun.
Organized by the Hopkins Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association, Mango Fest is a celebration of what many believe to be the tastiest of all tropical fruits. Dishes featuring mangos will be on sale during the festival along with dozens of mango-flavored treats including mango jams and jellies, mango smoothies, and mango lemongrass juice. Originally grown in India more than 5,000 years ago, today, more than 20 different varieties of the succulent fruit are grown in and around Hopkins, including the Apple, Number 11, Blue, and Black varieties.
Mangos are renowned for being rich sources of both Vitamin A and Vitamin C. The ancient Maya that once inhabited Belize used mangos to brew special medicines and as an ingredient in soap. Today, Belizeans love to enjoy chilled mangoes on a hot day along with a pinch of salt. The 2017 Mango Fest will feature an exciting raffle, auctions, games for both kids and adults, and special prizes, including a complete vacation package in Hopkins.
Some of the acts that will be performing live music during Mango Fest 2017 are:
- Pen Cayetano
- Riot Squad
- Tropical Vybz Band
- C-Wills
- Griga Boyz
- The Lebeha Drummers
- DJ Spice
- Lloyd Augustine
- DJ Kadejah Tunn
Music will continue all night on Saturday, June 3, until 3:00 AM and resume Sunday morning. The conclusion of Mango Fest will feature the Butterflies Spa 10th Anniversary fireworks show.
Approximately 1,500 people live in Hopkins, the majority of which belong to the Garifuna culture. Formed by enslaved Africans intermarrying with indigenous Caribbean islanders, the Garifuna people rebelled against the British and were forced to flee westwards, arriving on the shores of Belize just over 200 years ago. The United Nations recognized Garifuna culture in 2001 for being a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity.
Barefoot Rentals and Services can help you enjoy all the fun of Mango Fest with a rented car or motorbike. Barefoot Rentals and Services also organizes tours to Hopkins and throughout southeastern Belize.