The TIDE Fish Fest Weekend is an annual event that occurs in Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District on the Pan American holiday weekend in October. It is a weekend of raising awareness about environmental issues as well as being a celebration of our environment and natural resources. It consists of three parts – the Seafood Gala, the Youth Conservation Competition and the Fish Festival.
The Seafood Gala is an event that involves tasting fresh seafood caught from the Port Honduras Marine Reserve whilst enjoying local cultural entertainment.
The Youth Conservation Competition encourages young people to compete for associate degree scholarships by making stage presentations on environmental themes. It is open to both final year high school students and participants from non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The Festival is organized by the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE). More updates and schedule of events coming soon!
During this free, two-day festival, Mango Fest attendees enjoy mango-themed food offerings as well as non-mango dishes, browse locally made arts and crafts, while hearing the musical talent of Hopkins as well as other talented artists from around Belize and the world.
The Hopkins Mango Fest committe’s (HMF) goal is to promote Hopkins as a tourist destination in a fashion that builds on Hopkins uniqueness and promotes cultural preservation. This is done by featuring authentic Garifuna food and music through a clean, wholesome, culinary and culturally fun festival. It also provides economic opportunities during a time that has traditionally been referred to as “maga season” or thin season.
FOOD:
Hopkins is a blessed with an abundance of good food and is quickly becoming a culinary destination as there are about two dozen restaurants in our village of 2,500. Hopkins also has many “fast food” places that sell panades, street tacos, conch fritters, tamales, pastries, and other unique food items. The festival has a fusion of foods from all the cultures in Belize—Garifuna, Creole, Caribbean, European, and North American influences. Be prepared to sample such delights as mango chimole, chicken kebabs with mango salsa, ceviche, mango chutney, mango smoothies. There will also be many other non-mango food items such as the national dish of Belize-stew chicken, rice and beans, pizza, tacos, hamburgers, sausage on a stick, and much more!
MUSIC:
The Mango Fest Committee plans on featuring live music throughout the day that showcases the best of Belize and of Hopkins. Did you know three of the five members of the Garifuna Collective are from Hopkins? Plan on hearing Paranda music (Belize’s version of the blues,) Caribbean rhythms, Ray-gay, and much more. Check the Mango Fest Facebook Page regularly to see as the acts are confirmed for the festival.
ACTIVITIES:
Mango Fest Saturday, June 2:
6am – Floyd Arana Fishing & Tours hosts a dory fishing contest.
10am – Jungle Jeanie’s by the Sea hosts a yoga session for all ages and skill levels. Come stretch to the music of ocean waves.
2pm – Miss Bertie’s Hopkins Community Library is hosting children’s’ story hour.
3pm – Dory fishing contest, weigh in.
Mango Fest Sunday, June 3:
10am – Jungle Jeanie’s by the Sea hosts a yoga session for all ages and skill levels. Come stretch to the music of ocean waves.
