We did not see a lot of corn, coconut or BBQ, but what we did see was a community getting together to organize a festival that will help enhance the Corozal Town Area. What we did was jump right in and participate in a couple of the fun events at the first ever Corn, Coconut and Barbecue Festival in the Corozal Town over the weekend.
Although we would have wanted to see more corn/coconut produce, products and activities, we give the Corozal Town community and organizers a thumbs up for putting together such an event. Festivals are always fun and we find it necessary to give our support to all of them, regardless of its popularity or size. They had food, drinks, live entertainment, fun competitions, business displaying their products and services at Rainbow Park by the sea.
The Corozal District is not the first area that comes to mind when you think of tourism or exploring major sites, activities or events in Belize, but the area might surprise you. It is beautiful, charming and the people are friendly. Heck all of Belize is, so you know you will always have a good time at any festival, regardless!
Fresh Coconut Water
Caribbean Spice! Awesome variety of Belizean Spices and other delicious products
The organizers state that the National Cornfest is a festival designed to celebrate culture, music, the best of Belize in traditional and modern twist on the main foods, corn, coconut and BBQ. It took place from July 14 to the 16, but we only managed to catch up on the last day. The Panerifix Steel Band was present on Saturday to liven up the celebrations, plus there were a few cultural dances and presentation.
There were a lot of competitions on their activities list that included Bachata Dance Competition, Limbo, Chicken Drop, Corn Eating Competition, Bartending Mix Drink Competition, Beer Drinking Competition, Barbecue Competition, Best Tamales, Coconut Husking Competition, Swimsuit Competition and a Gummy Bear Eating Competition for the children. That’s a lot of competitions. Jeje!!!
I am not quite sure that all these took place, because we were only at the festival on Sunday afternoon, but we did enter two competitions to join in the fun. Madi had no idea what she was getting into when she signed up for the Gummy Bear eating competition. Jajajaja…Madi is not a fast eater but the winning girl just smoked all seven of her competitors in seconds.
Madi joins in the Gummy Bear Eating Competition
It was tough; she had no chance against the girl in purple
On the other hand, I entered the coconut husking competition. Madi put me up to it since she had just entered one competition. My father had showed me a couple time how to husk dry coconuts with a sharp wooden steak on the ground, but nothing could prepare me for the level of skills the gentleman next to me had.
Like Madi, I did not win; did not expect to. LOL! I did not even finish husking one when it was all over. The winner finished husking three coconuts in less than a minute. I did manage to finish husking one coconut, at least; not disappointed in myself.
Madi then challenged me to enter the coconut husking competition
Clearly I had stiff competition
Managed to just husk one coconut
The winner had three husked as I was just finishing my first one 😛
The Corn, Coconut and Barbecue Festival in Corozal is yet another display of cultural pride, community unity and a deep sense of promoting everything Belize. It’s an inert thing we Belizeans have – celebrating culture. So here’s hoping the festival committee will bring it back next year, the year after and the year after that. It can only get better!
Madi sampling some goods on sale at the fest
Other booths with products on display
The NEW Belikin Light Beer – free samples!!!
Females take their turn in coconut husking
All in good family fun
This lady is a pro
Residents enjoying the Corn Fest and scenery at Rainbow Park, Corozal
