Number 11. Black. Slippers. Judgewig. Thundershaw. Hofius. Yellow gold.
What may appear to the uninitiated as a random set of words is for many in Belize a
series of utterances that will set mouths watering. Each of these mango varieties is available in the country, and for many one of the central joys of living in the Jewel.
Fortunately, your appetite for the sometimes sweet, sometimes sour fruit du jour can be more than satiated at the 2023 Hopkins Mango Street Fest. The Hopkins chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association hosts this annual event that brings together locals and visitors from across Belize to revel in the fruit that makes the hot summer days tolerable.

The event takes place on the streets of Hopkins on June 10th and 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a variety of activities for everyone in the family. Enjoy arts and crafts activities made especially for the kids and savor the shade while sipping refreshing mango juice.

For the adults, the activities meet every sensual desire aspired to in Caribbean poetry about the potent fruit. From competitions for the best mango dish and best mango drink to a bartending competition, mangos will take center stage as people course through the Southern coastal village.

You can mango hop from booth to booth, trying a selection of cocktails made especially for the day while enjoying the sounds of the Sweet Pain Band and Mac 90 Sounds. Be sure to stop by The Belize Collection’s very own booth where Chef Rahim will have a selection of exclusive dishes. You can try the zingy taste of mango and jalapeño pizza, or share a plate of fresh ceviche with diced mango. Chef Rahim will also feature a selection of mango cocktails and desserts that will disappear before you’re able to get it for the ‘gram.

The Lodge at Jaguar Reef has you covered if you’re interested in further exploring the delights of mangos. Belizeans can take advantage of the 50% local discount to join in the fun while international guests can call in to receive a discount. With two days of mango fest, The Lodge at Jaguar Reef is your premier choice to stay at and take a break from the action throughout the day. Retreat to your private plunge pool after a day of all things mango. Or escape the crowd when you’ve had your fill and cool off in your suite with room service. If the activities are done but you’re still up for more, head over to the Big Dock Bar for more drinks, sun, and sea. You can also rent one of the Lodge’s golf carts to travel back and forth to the street fest and enjoy the after-party at Ella’s Cool Spot.