PG Unveils New Cultural Landmark Celebrating Toledo’s Living Heritage

Punta Gorda is one of those places where culture isn’t just preserved, it’s lived. From the soul-stirring rhythms of Garifuna drums to the depth of Maya spirituality, the bold flavors of East Indian cuisine, and the timeless charm of Creole storytelling, PG has long been a tapestry of Belize’s most vibrant traditions. And now, the town has unveiled a new centerpiece, a symbol meant to honor that diversity while welcoming everyone who journeys down to the deep south. Paul Lopez has the story in this week’s edition of Kolcha Tuesday.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

It all kicked off with the unmistakable sound of the south, marimba music floating through the air as dancers, dressed in their vibrant traditional wear, glided across the plaza with effortless grace. Residents came out on Monday for the opening of the Punta Gorda Welcome Center, a new landmark designed to showcase the soul of the Toledo District.

 

Carlos Galvez, Mayor, Punta Gorda

“They say Dangrgia is the Culture Capital. I wont dispute that. But I can tell you that Punta Gorda Town and the Toledo District have the very important ingredient, diverse culture. We have it all right here in this district and we need to build on that and sell what we have. All the different ethics groups are here.”

 

 

 

The new center, an eight‑hundred‑thousand‑dollar investment, now stands just steps from the shoreline, greeting visitors with sweeping views of PG’s coast and an open invitation to explore the district’s rich heritage. Inside, it doubles as a one‑stop information hub, guiding travelers to the best of the south: from cultural hotspots to ecological treasures and all the unique experiences in between. Minister of Tourism, Anthony Mahler says the Toledo District is filled with wealth untold.

 

 

 

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism

“We have wealth untold. Just look at the Snake Cayes. Look at all the amenities, Lubantun, Nimlipunit, the mountains, the cocoa growing you have going on down here. The indigenous people, all that you have here, we have everything. The growth path and development for tourism is in the south, the deep south. We have had consultants from the Caribbean. WE have had consultants from the U.S. We have had consultants from Canada and they have said the same thing. My God Toledo has wealth untold, just like the anthem says.”

 

 

 

But it is more than a point of reference. The design, the displays, and the celebration all reflect a deep intention to preserve and promote the multi‑ethnic identity that makes Toledo unlike any other district in Belize. Toledo East Area Representative Osmond Martinez emphasized this point.

 

Osmond Martinez, Area Representative, Toledo East

“When you have a diamond and you get a solid piece of rock, that diamond will not be able to make it to the market and be appealing to the people if it does not go through its process and today that wonderful diamond is going through its process. Today the building you are getting, the Welcome Center is not just walls and here to beautify the Punta Gorda Town and by extension the Toledo District and Belize. It is also here to a main purpose and a role and that is to promote our tourism sector in Belize.”

 

 

 

Inside the building, visitors can experience the stunning art exhibit “Pieces for Peace,” curated by cultural scholar and artist Doctor Ludwig Palacio. His collection weaves together the district’s Maya, Garifuna, East Indian, Mestizo, and Creole influences, each piece encouraging unity in a region where diversity has always been its strength.

 

 

 

 

Efren Perez, President, Belize Tourism Industry Association

“I think it is a very opportune moment for us, especially for the BTIA and its chapters in Toledo. WE are definitely working to enhance our visibility in tourism. We are working directly with stakeholders and partners. This provides us a platform and venue to do multiple things  in working towards enhancing the tourism environment in Toledo and really showcasing it, not only to locals but also to our international guests.”

 

 

 

The Punta Gorda Welcome Center has officially opened its doors, poised to become a cultural gathering point for both residents and visitors, and a proud showcase of the Toledo District’s rich heritage. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.