Hello folks. Our family will be in AC the week of August 4th. Since this will be our first time in Belize, I was looking forward to partaking in the sights, sounds, etc. What's the skinny on the Costa Maya Festival scheduled the 7th thru the 10th? From researching prior topics on this (excellent) board, the festival appears to be very central-american-centric and expensive, which to me is very good and bad respectively. Are there events open free to the public? Is there a "must see" event this year?

We arrive on AC on August 9 and I was wondering about the festival as well. I'm curious to know what might be worth checking out during the festival and also if the island is going to be packed on the 9th and 10th.

I was there during Costa Maya several years ago. It didn't seem like a real big deal. Reminded me of the local neighborhood carnival, without the rides. I recall a few food booths, some dancers in native garb with these gigantic hats that made the dancers very top heavy and caused them to stumble all over the stage when the wind kicked up a bit, pretty funny. Didn't seem like any more people on the island than any other time I've been there. I believe there was a small fee to get on the festival grounds. Hope that helps. Just my honest recollection.

KWIBMF, thanks for your info. Can you state whether it is a kid-friendly event? I'll be in AC with my 8 year old boy and 18 yr old daughter.

Do you recall how much it cost? As I was searching through some web articles, I came across one from year 2000 stating entrance fees varying from $10.00 for child day pass to $85.00 for a season pass, and individual night time events were $40-$50. But I am not sure if the prices quoted were in US$ or BZ$. Do these prices sound about right?

And one more question: if you had to pick one event to attend, which would it be?

Zeecube, Definitely kid friendly. Those prices sound about right if they're BZE$. I can't advise on events, I went just the one night, was there for a couple hours, the power went out and that was it for my Costa Maya experience. They should have a schedule of events, just ask a local for their recommendation. Have fun!

Thanks. Just found a schedule of events at Ambergris Today. See http://belizenews.com/

here's another thread that MAY shed some light on the festival for ya

http://ambergriscaye.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=4;t=006785