Belize Mango Festival

Updates as to date & Information: www.facebook.com/HopkinsMangoFest/

Hopkins Mangu (Mango) Fest
In Garifuna, "mango" is known as "mangu." In the village of Hopkins, the soil of the area is rich in nutrients and allows for local farmers to grow a variety of different mangos. Started in 2013, the Hopkins BTIA Chapter hosts the Hopkins Mangu Fest with the goal of promoting Hopkins Village as an attractive tourist destination that displays a unique and enjoyable cultural and culinary experience. In addition to this, the festival also contributes to an economic boost for local businesses in the area as slow season, or "maga" season, is in effect.

The Hopkins Mangu Fest is an exciting, family-friendly, two day event that celebrates everything mango, ranging from mango-inspired dishes, jams and jellies, candies, and drinks. Usually, there are plenty of competitions and games by the different booths. Although this festival is surrounded on the delicious mango fruits, the Garifuna culture is also greatly promoted through clothing, music, dance and food.

The Belize Mango Festival is a (2) day festival (that started in 2013), and has slowly become a very popular event in Belize. Mangoes are the most luscious of all tropical fruits, and Belize is proud to grow some of the world’s best mangoes. To pay tribute to this wonderful, versatile and important crop, get your mango on at the Hopkins Mango Festival.

That’s Not a Misspelling
This year, the festival has been renamed to use the Garifuna name for mango, which is “mangu” and pronounced as ma-goo. The Garifuna culture is an important part of Belize’s vibrant, diverse history.

Who Are the Garifuna?
The Garifuna people are descended from slaves who escaped a sinking ship and began new lives in Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize. They incorporated their traditional African food, music, and language to create a whole new culture that is unique to this part of the world. The village of Hopkins is a traditional Garifuna fishing village that will give you the chance to immerse yourself in a rich cultural experience.

Agenda & Schedule of Activities
Day One - Fishing Contest, Yoga sessions, children's story hour, fishing contest weigh in. Here you will find many stalls and exhibits; you'll be able to walk around between each display very easily. Enjoy the sounds of cultural drumming, food, partying and even dancing entertainment.
Day Two - Taste of Hopkins | Live entertainment, activities, games, food tasting, yoga classes, competitions.

Is Transportation provided? No
How can we get to the Mango Festival? Private vehicle, aircraft, car rental, charters, shuttles, public transportation, taxi, or hitch-hiking.

Contact & Location Information
Email: hopkinsmangofest@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HopkinsMangoFest/
Venue: Holy Family Catholic Church Beach and Grounds
Address: South Road, Hopkins Village, Stann Creek, Belize
District: Stann Creek

During this free, (2) day festival, you will get to enjoy a variety of mango-based themed foods, along with browsing many locally made arts and crafts, to musical background music (featuring local artists) from Belize and around the world.
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 - There is live music and entertainment throughout the day, showcasing the best of Belize and Hopkins. Enjoy as you hear Paranda music in the background (Belize’s version of the blues,) Caribbean rhythms, Ray-gay, and much more.

The village of Hopkins hosts the annual Mango Fest, a glorious celebration of the succulent mango fruit. The rich soil of the Hopkins area allows local farmers to grow several different varieties of mango, and all will be available for tasting during this lively festival.

A tropical fruit that’s only recently became popular in the United States, mangos are considered a superfood. A cousin of fruits like cherries and plums, mangos have a distinctly sharp, sweet taste that is sometimes compared to a cross between a pineapple and a peach. Mangos supply more than 20 vitamins and minerals and have been cultivated by people for over 5,000 years.

The Mango Fest at Hopkins is held every year in June, when the succulent mango fruits become mature and are at their peak flavor. Mango Fest will feature a wide variety of mangos, including apple mangos, blue mangos, black mangos, and number 11 mangos as well as a smorgasbord of mango-themed dishes, including jams, jellies, smoothies, juices, and savory fare. Local chefs will be on hand, competing to create delicious dishes from all the locally-grown mangos.

Besides all the delicious mangos and mango-themed foods, Mango Fest will also be home to exciting games and activities, including a dory (small wooden boat) fishing contest, stories for children, a raffle, and lots of live music. Some of the top musical acts in Belize will be on hand. Previous headliners included Pen Cayetano, Griga Boyz, DJ Kadejah Tunn, the Lebeha Drummers, and the Tropical Vybz Band.

The village of Hopkins is home to the Garifuna people, an Afro-Caribbean culture which has been recognized by the United Nations for their unique music, drumming, language, and food. In the Garifuna language, mangos are known as “mangu,” and so Mango Fest is also known as Mangu Fest or Hopkins Mangu Fest. Approximately 1,500 Garifuna people live in the village of Hopkins, but the festival is expected to draw in several thousand people from the region.
Hopkins is located just a short, 30-minute drive from Dangriga or a 60-minute drive from Placencia, making it really easy to attend the festival for visitors staying in the region.

Why is the Mango Festival held?
The primary goal of Hopkins Mango Fest is to promote Hopkins as a tourist destination. Secondarily, the festival will promote the cultural and culinary uniqueness that both locals and tourists enjoy. 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.
The Hopkins Mango Fest is a free family event that celebrates everything mango, with good food and live music in a wholesome, family-friendly atmosphere. The festival provides an economic boost to the local businesses.

What Happens on the Festival Days?
Day One - Fishing Contest, Yoga sessions, children's story hour, fishing contest weigh in. Here you will find many stalls and exhibits; you'll be able to walk around between each display very easily. Enjoy the sounds of cultural drumming, food, partying and even dancing entertainment.
Day Two - Taste of Hopkins | Live entertainment, activities, games, food tasting, yoga classes, competitions.

2-Day Mango Festival

The Stann Creek Hopkins Mango Festival in Southern Belize
It’s all about fruit, family, and fun! Belizeans love nothing more than a good festival, and the Mangu Fest is no exception. You can spend two days reveling in a relaxed, family-friendly setting where you’ll see mangoes in every conceivable shape, size and color. Sample mango-themed delicacies including jams, jellies, smoothies and main courses, served up by the biggest Belizean culinary stars. There is something here for everyone in the family. The festival includes a fishing competition, an egg toss, storytelling for kids, a kayak race, drink-making competitions and a greased pole race. Throughout both days, live music from top local musicians plays in the background. Mangoes are at the peak of perfection in June, and there is no better time to sample this tropical delight. Many vendors are offering prizes and raffles. You could win free food, a stay at a resort, specialty tours, fine jewelry and more.

Why Should You Attend the Hopkins Mango Festival?
Not only would you get to taste the sweet nectar of ripe, mature mangoes, you will be able to experience the Garifuna Culture and enjoy quality family time with all the exciting games and activities. Attending this festival will be feasible if you are staying in nearby villages and town. Hopkins is just a short thirty-minute drive from Dangriga and an hour away from Placencia.

Mango Festival Highlights

Mangoes
Food Booths - Tugusina Garifuna, Baha Fiesta
Renowned Local Chef - Sean Kuylen
Jewelry, Painting, Textiles, Local Art Pieces
Dashiki Competition hosted by Tina's Kitchen
Live Music & Entertainment Paranda Music, Caribbean Rhythm, Reggae
Local Artists
Games, Raffles, Cooking Competitions

When is the Mango Festival Held?
The Mango Festival is held in June of each year, in the town of Hopkins (near Dangriga), in the Stann Creek District.

Best Way to Experience the Mango Festival
Be sure to arrive hungry as there are dozens of different mango-themed dishes and other delicacies on offer during the festival. The festival also showcases key elements of the local Garifuna culture, mixing music and food for a truly special experience. Along with all of the mango delicacies, be sure to save room for dessert.

Where is the Mango Festival Located?
The festival is held in the town of Hopkins, located in the southern portion of Belize in the Stann Creek District.

How Do I Get to the Mango Festival?
Hopkins is located just a short, 30-minute drive from Dangriga or a 60-minute drive from Placencia, making it really easy to attend the festival for visitors staying in the region.If you’re interested in attending the Mangu Fest in Hopkins, Barefoot Rentals and Services has a full line of vehicles for rent, including cars, motorbikes and SUVs. Vehicles can be picked up or delivered to any location in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q-How can I get to the Hopkins Mango Festival?

Private Vehicle: If you own a vehicle or have access to a private vehicle and have a valid driver’s license, you can drive to the Hopkins Mangu Festival in Hopkins Village. This is the easiest and most recommended option for transportation.
Rentals/Charters/Shuttles: If you would like to drive or be driven directly to the Mangu Festival, you can rent a vehicle (make sure you have a valid driver’s license) or request a charter or shuttle to transport you to Hopkins Village.
Public Transportation (Buses):
1. On the mainland, buses can take you anywhere along the highways. Getting on a bus would require you to go to the town’s bus terminals or wait in a bus stop on the main road. It is recommended that you sit close by the bus driver or ask the bus driver to let you come off at the bus stop near the junction of Hopkins Village. If you are staying north of the country (Corozal or Orange Walk), you would have to take a bus going to Belize City. Then you'll be required to take a bus going to Punta Gorda Town and stop at the bus stop at the junction for Hopkins Village. If you are in western Belize (Benque Viejo del Carmen, Succotz, San Ignacio/Santa Elena Town, or other nearby villages) you would need to take an express or regular bus to Belmopan City. From Belmopan City, you would then be required to take a bus going to Punta Gorda Town and stop at the bus stop at the junction for Hopkins Village. Those living south of the country (Placencia or Punta Gorda or other nearby locations) take an express or regular bus to Belize City and then stop at the Hopkins Junction. Bus fares depend on where you are taking the bus and where you are stopping and whether if it is a regular bus or an express bus (non-stop). It should range from $3 BZD to $25 BZD. Note: From the junction, it is a six-mile distance into Hopkins Village. To get into the village, you would have to resort to hiking the 6 miles, catch a taxi that goes into the village or hitchhike a ride into the village.
2. If you are staying at one of the islands, there are water taxis available that travel to and from Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Belize City and Corozal. Water taxis should take you from the island to Belize City. Fares usually depend on which island you are at and whether if it is a one-way or roundtrip ticket. Upon arrival at Belize City, you can take a taxi (recommended) or walk to the bus terminal and get on a bus to Punta Gorda Town.
Taxi:
1. This option is quite costly if you are planning on taking a taxi cab to the Mangu Festival. If you are staying in Placencia or somewhere near Placencia, however, taxi fares are not too expensive.
2. If you are somewhere further than that, taking a bus is recommended because it would be quite costly to take a taxi.
Hitch-hiking: When all else fails, and you really want to make it to the festival, you can stand at the roadside of a highway and catch a ride with someone who’s going to the direction of Punta Gorda, Placencia or Independence. For safety and other reasons, this is not 100% recommended. The Mangu Festival is a two-day event; so, if you missed the bus or can’t find a way to make it the first day, you can always make it the following day. Although, if you take public transportation to the junction for Hopkins Village, you might need to hitch hike to go in to the village, which is six miles from the junction.

History of the Mango

History of Mango's - The mango is inextricably connected with the folklore and religious ceremonies of India. Buddha himself was presented with a mango grove that he might find repose in its grateful shade. The name mango, by which the fruit is known in English- and Spanish-speaking countries, is most likely derived from the Malayam manna, which the Portuguese adopted as manga when they came to Kerala in 1498 for the spice trade. Probably because of the difficulty in transporting seeds (they retain their viability a short time only), the tree was not introduced into the Western Hemisphere until about 1700, when it was planted in Brazil; it reached the West Indies about 1740.

History of Mango's in Belize
Here in Belize one of the tropical world's most famous fruits is the mango. Mangifera indica is related to our native cashew trees but originated in India where it was domesticated over 4,000 years ago. Mangoes were introduced into the Caribbean in the 1700s and spread quickly across the region.

Mango Festival