2025 Chocolate Festival of Belize Cancelled Amid Dispute

The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) Toledo Chapter has announced the cancellation of the 2025 Chocolate Festival of Belize. The cited interference by local authorities.

It said that “this event was established to promote Toledo’s small businesses, hoteliers, restaurants, chocolatiers, and the broader chocolate sector while strengthening the district’s brand and market presence.”

The BTI Toledo Chapter said that municipal officials in Punta Gorda continue to undermine the festival’s efforts, including what they described as an attempt to “co-opt” the event’s brand. It said that despite multiple attempts at dialogue, local officials had not cooperated, leading to the decision to cancel the festival.

“We will not waste any more energy convincing them of the irresponsibility of their decision,” the BTIA statement read.

The Chocolate Festival of Belize has long been a key tourism and economic event for Toledo, attracting visitors and supporting local businesses.

The festival was scheduled for May 16 -18.