Women in Arts (MARCH)
A series of events that pay tribute to established as well as not so well known female artists in all creative disciplines.
Music Week (MAY)
National Festival of Arts (MAY)
The first National Festival of Arts 2009 was held at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts for three days in June this year in consultation with the Principals and Teachers of Belize and the Ministry of Education.
Five districts participated in the showcasing their fifteen most outstanding winning Gold items from their District Festival of Arts in the three disciplines of dance, drama and music. The Toledo District was the only district unable to participate due to the Influenza A h2N1 flu, however they had re-scheduled their District Festival to the new school year in September.
Toledo Cacao Festival (MAY)
BTIA and the Cacao Growers Association hold an annual Cacao Festival in the Toledo District for four days in May. In 2009, NICH played a significant role in developing and giving guidance to this festival which has become part of the lives of the people of Toledo and is look forward to as it begins to grow attracting visitors from all over the country of Belize and internationally. The Cacao Festival spans for 3 days with activities for the entire family with Wine and Chocolate, Cultural food and Craft Fair, Cacao Symposium (presentation by Dr. Jaime Awe), Sea Toledo (Boat ride and Kayak Trips), Cacao tails, and the Moro Dance and archeological tours at Lubaantun Archeological Site. The IOA and ICA worked closely with the festival organizer to make this festival a signature festival for the Toledo District.Summer Arts Institute (JUNE, JULY, AUGUST)
A series of extended workshops and training sessions for artists of all ages, the Summer Arts Program gives artistic Belizeans the opportunity to augment their talent and increase their knowledge of the arts. In 2009, the Summer Arts Institute was able to provide an opportunity to Belizeans nationwide as classes were offered in Belize City, Orange Walk, Corozal, Dangriga, Toledo, Hattieville, San Pedro and Belmopan which enabled (19) professional and talented instructors to share their knowledge with a total of 480 students.
Belize International Film Festival (JULY)
The
Belize International Film Festival is a 10 day event held in July at
several venues in Belize City. During this time The Festival programs
approximately 50 film screenings, hosts international filmmakers and
several social events, and coordinates a number of Seminars/
Presentations and workshops. A smaller travelling version of the
festival takes place between October and December at key locations
countrywide.
Costa Maya Festival, Ambergris Caye (AUGUST)
The Annual International Costa Maya Festival from the first Thursday of August until Sunday yearly. Four nights of compact entertainment starting with, Reina de la Costa Maya International pageant, which includes delegates from all the Central American countries and Mexico. The second night, the Opening Gala, includes presentations by all participating countries followed by a mega concert. Saturday, known as International Night features world renowned singers. Two years ago the festival introduced a night for the family which features renowned international comedians, an initiative every much welcomed and appreciated by festival goers. The festival has become the main marketing tool for the island in Central America and Mexico. The festival weekend is the only other weekend apart from Easter that is highly visited by both national and foreign tourists. NICH is a proud partner of the International Costa Maya Festival and will do so again next year.
Patriotic and Carnival Song Competition (AUGUST)
Francis Reneau District Tour (AUGUST)
September Celebrations (SEPTEMBER)
NICH is the secretariat for the Celebration Committee. ICA was responsible programming and played a major role in the month of September in implementing the plans set forth by the National September Celebration Committee.
Carnival Road March (September)
PanYaad (September)
Fashion Week 2010 (OCTOBER)
Dance Extravaganze (NOVEMBER)
This intoxicating dance fest is a true celebration of Belizean dance bringing together an impressive eclectic collection of dance styles ranging from folk to modern.
Brukdong Competition (DECEMBER)
Annual Brukdong Competition is open to youth and emerging artists, to encourage artist development, foster creativity and create awareness about and retain dying Creole cultural traditions.
