In the heart of southern Belize, the Chocolate Festival of Belize is a vibrant celebration of culture, community, cacao, and tourism. Established through the collaborative efforts of the tourism and agricultural industries, the festival was created to develop a sustainable tourism product, raise awareness of the Toledo District, and extend the region’s tourism season. Over the years, the festival has grown into one of Belize’s most anticipated cultural celebrations, generating economic opportunities for local families, marketing exposure, and the ripple effect of tourism spending throughout the district. More than a festival, it is a movement that proudly celebrates Toledo’s rich cultural heritage and thriving cacao industry while strengthening the identity of Toledo as the Chocolate Capital of Belize.

Held annually in the month of May, celebrated as Chocolate Month, the festival showcases the very best of what Toledo has to offer. Visitors are immersed in the district’s unique blend of Maya traditions, Garifuna, creole, Mestizo and East Indian influences, natural beauty, warm hospitality, and world-renowned cacao. The festival highlights Toledo’s deep historical connection to cacao, a crop that has been cultivated in the region for generations and remains central to the livelihoods and traditions of many rural communities. Through food, music, dance, storytelling, arts, sports, and cultural displays, the festival creates an authentic experience that connects locals and visitors alike to the spirit, traditions, and people of southern Belize.

The Chocolate Festival of Belize is a three-day celebration filled with exciting and meaningful events for all ages. Signature events include the BTIA Wine & Chocolate Gala, an elegant evening featuring fine wines and handcrafted chocolates from Toledo’s talented chocolatiers; followed by the lively Celebrate Chocolate Street Fete, where the streets come alive with cultural performances, local artists, live bands, family entertainment, chocolate-inspired products, competitions, and delicious local cuisine. The festivities continue with the Cacao Cup Football Marathon, hosted in a Maya community, bringing together youth and adults in friendly competition alongside cultural presentations and community celebrations. Together, these events capture the heart of Toledo: its traditions, creativity, resilience, and strong sense of community, while inviting the world to experience the flavors, culture, and beauty that make Toledo truly unforgettable.