Cayo Comes Alive for the Second Annual El Cayo Festival
Celebrating Cayo’s Culture, Community, and Tourism
Cayo is preparing to welcome visitors from across Belize for the second annual El Cayo Festival, taking place October 10–11 in San Ignacio and Santa Elena along the banks of the Macal River.
On today’s episode of Open Your Eyes, Javier Gutierrez, 2nd Vice President of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) National, and Hazel Tut, Tourism Information Concierge and Secretary of the BTIA Cayo Chapter, joined the conversation to preview this year’s festival and highlight what makes Cayo a unique destination.
Under the slogan “Multiple Cultures, One People,” the festival aims to showcase Cayo’s diverse culture, traditions, food, music, businesses, and tourism experiences while welcoming Belizeans and visitors alike.
More Activities, More Ways to Experience Cayo
Following the inaugural festival, organizers have expanded this year’s program with several new activities and competitions.
One of the major highlights will be a barbecue competition, sponsored by Caribbean Chicken and Running W Meats. Seven contestants will compete across three rounds, with local chef and Technical Education Center instructor Chef Enil leading the competition.
The festival will also feature a mixology competition, a rodeo show taking place on both days, live music, and cultural entertainment.
Sports enthusiasts can look forward to the Emil Figueroa bicycle race, as well as a boat race commemorating Orlando and Richard Harrison. The cycling race has received support from the Institute of Creative Arts (ICB), while several local businesses and organizations have contributed to the sporting activities.
Something for Everyone
Organizers emphasized that the festival is designed to appeal to different interests and age groups.
Visitors can enjoy live music and dancing, including Punta performances, while those looking for a more relaxed experience can take part in morning yoga sessions and bird-watching activities.
A livestream by Next Gen will also be available on Sunday for those unable to attend in person.
The organizers explained that the festival is about more than attracting tourists. It is also intended to encourage Belizeans, particularly younger generations, to experience and appreciate Cayo’s culture and natural attractions firsthand.
Building the Festival Year After Year
The BTIA Cayo Chapter plans to continue expanding El Cayo Festival as an annual event, with organizers already considering new activities for future editions, including potential ziplining across the river or rappelling from a bridge, depending on safety considerations.
The festival also provides an opportunity to highlight the growing number of local activities available in Cayo, including hiking, bird watching, cycling, and other outdoor experiences.
With support from sponsors including ICB, Holder’s Place, San Ignacio Hotel, Midas, Billy’s Tire Center, San Miguel Campgrounds, Rod Boy, Pope’s Restaurant, and other local businesses and organizations, the organizers said the festival represents a collective effort from the Cayo community.
All Roads Lead to Cayo
With food competitions, rodeo, cycling, boat racing, live entertainment, cultural activities, and opportunities to explore Cayo’s natural beauty, the second annual El Cayo Festival is set to bring San Ignacio and Santa Elena to life on October 10 and 11.
The BTIA Cayo Chapter is inviting Belizeans from across the country to experience the festival, support local businesses, and discover more of what Cayo has to offer.