Jul 4, 2022

Caye Caulker Lobster Fest – a Resurgence of the Tourism Activity

Over the weekend, the Caye Caulker Lobster Fest took center stage as Belizeans traveled over to La Isla Cariñosa to bask in the three days of activities. It commenced on Friday night with an opening ceremony and was followed by two days of visitors enjoying lobster dishes and music on the island. And despite the inclement weather, the festival went on as a resurgence of economic activity on the island. News Five’s Duane Moody reports.

 

Duane Moody, Reporting

After three years, the Caye Caulker Lobster Fest was back with its entire spectacle, as thousands converged on the island to enjoy the festivities.

 

Chelsea Evelyn, Senior Destination Development Officer, B.T.B.

“It is back and to say we are in the slow season and we see tourists here, last night it was great. We had them dancing at the event and we are hoping that it is the same energy for the San Pedro Lobster Fest and also the Placencia Lobster Fest.”

 

Shary Trejo, President, Caye Caulker Lobster Fest Committee

“We were hoping that everything would be okay, but it is going great. It kinda surpassed what we expected so we are excited; we are excited. We weren’t sure if we were gonna have it or not due to some issues, but we got full support from the community; most importantly, we got support from the village council and because of that we said it is time to do it; we have to do it.”

 

The event, which started on Friday, included games for the entire family on the beach and a powder party, while others indulged in sampling the various lobster dishes and more. Various DJs would take to the stage to entertain, not to mention popular Belizean artists, including Supa G. And then in the night, families were treated to a fireworks display.

 

Shary Trejo

“When our food vendors come to us, we encourage them to sell different lobster dishes because it is a lobster fest. And especially when it comes to foreigners, they want to see lobster something so why not try to introduce them into something new and different when it comes to lobster. So there’s plenty of lobster dishes, lobster kabobs; one of the booths advertise lobster dip. I haven’t tasted it yet, but I am hoping I have the time to do that.”

 

….and trying everything lobster was what most people were doing on the island.

 

Belmopan Resident #1

“Look at this mien. Look at this guy mien. Lobster fest in Caye Caulker; I tell you what, this is the time to be.”

 

Duane Moody

“First time?”

 

Belmopan Resident #1

“Yes, not the last.”

 

Belmopan Resident #2

“It will not be the last.”

 

Duane Moody

“Where are you from?”

 

Belmopan Resident #2

”Actually we live in Belmopan, but originally Cincinnati.”

 

Archibald McFarlane, Visitor

“Once I heard we having lobster fest, I had to change my plan from San Pedro to Caye Caulker so it’s been lovely.”

 

Duane Moody

“Let’s talk about getting that lobster in.”

 

Archibald McFarlane

“Well I haven’t gotten it yet. I’m looking at what I want cause there is lobster in every shape and form right now. I noh know if I could try everything, but I’m gonna try.”

 

There was no shortage of lobsters to go around. Chefs from Caye Caulker and San Pedro occupied booths and catered to the demand.

 

Chef Ivan, San Pedro

“Lobster, shrimp kabob; we got barbecue chicken, everything; rice and beans – full works. We put some garlic butter and some sea seasoning from Belize and the Americans love it because it is natural. It is the grand opening of the lobster season so we gotta make them feel good on their vacation.”

 

Ruby Jimenez, Little Kitchen Restaurant, Caye Caulker

“Everybody wants lobster. Everybody is enjoying the lobster nice and fresh. It’s the second day since it’s been open and everybody’s loving it.”

 

Duane Moody

“Let’s talk about what you are offering? It’s just lobster that you’re giving today?”

 

Ruby Jimenez

“Umm no. I do a little bit of whole lobster and I do lobster kabobs. I do chicken, some people don’t like seafood so we a little chicken for the non-seafood eaters.”

 

Duane Moody

“The size of yo lobsters, the reaction that we are getting from people. Is this what you expected?”

 

Ruby Jimenez

“This is exactly what I’ve expected and everyone that comes to Caye caulker lobster fest always expects.”

 

Duane Moody

“What’s the sauce that you guys di put pan yo lobster?”

 

Ruby Jimenez

“Garlic butter sauce. We do different sauces at Little Kitchen Restaurant. We do spicy jerk, lemon pepper, we do ginger butter and the regular butter garlic.”

 

There were others who traveled to the island simply escape for the weekend or relax from a full week of work.

 

Lebron, Belize City Resident

“I neva been dah one before, I just come out fi come enjoy myself and have a good time because dah back dah work Monday.”

 

Staine, Belize City Resident

“Oh yes man, we come out fi di after party and all the after party and after that dah work in the Monday.”

 

Kylee, Camalote Resident

“We just come to have fun cause it’s been a while and we want to be outside and have a little time with my friends.”

 

Duane Moody

“So what you come for? The lobster or just the fun?”

 

Kylee

“The lobster, I gwen buy one right now.”

 

Mauricio Canelo, Belize City Resident

“Why not come out? That’s the question. Caye Caulker Lobster Fest is different compared to all the others. It is a very inclusive environment, a lot of fun. It has become the perfect event to showcase talent and in different arena as well.”

 

Caye Caulker Village Council Chairlady Seleny Villanueva-Pott says that as an island, tourism is the lifeblood and as a community, they thrive from the economic activity generated by the festival. From hotels being fully booked months in advance to water taxi operators working overtime to ferry passengers to and from the island, tourism was back.

 

Seleny Villanueva-Pott, Chairlady, Caye Caulker Village Council

“The economical activity is needed. We are just rebounding from COVID so whatever we can do, this is an excellent marketing strategy for our international tourism for us to get our name back out there and for everyone to know that you can come visit Caye Caulker.”

 

Shehady Chan, Manager, Caye Caulker Plaza Hotel

“With us we have been booked out for over two to three months now for this weekend especially. We keep having people calling throughout this weekend if we have space, but we don’t even have our storage. Everything is gone.”

 

Aixa Munoz, Port Manager, San Pedro Belize Express, Caye Caulker

“It’s been two years since we haven’t seen this year so it is very excited to see everyone coming out to have fun. Yes we’ve seen a lot of people coming out for today so that’s good to see that business is back up.”

 

Duane Moody

“You guys have had to increase your routes or at least the number of boats going back and forth?”

 

Aixa Munoz

“Yes, especially the number of boats going for each time; we’ve had to increase up to two boats. For today, we’ve had a lot of bats coming here and going back; as they reach here, we have to spin them right back.”

 

Caye Caulker Lobster Fest 2022 – a success!

 

Duane Moody for News Five.