By Belize Live News Staff: The Belize International Music and Food Festival (BIMFF) won’t be returning in 2025 — but don’t count it out. According to Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler, the pause is a strategic move to improve the festival’s staging and sustainability.
Mahler said organizers were flooded with questions about this year’s lineup but ultimately decided to regroup and return in 2026 with better infrastructure and weather preparedness. “We’ve had inclement weather the past three years. We want to create a safer and more consistent environment for performers and guests,” he noted.
San Pedro will continue to host the event, and construction plans are already in motion for a redesigned venue at Saca Chispa field. While there is no official launch date, Mahler said all designs are nearly complete and consultations will begin soon.
The festival’s success in previous years has built momentum. In 2024, BIMFF generated close to $13 million in economic spin-off. Though the announcement may disappoint some, Mahler insists the long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term pause. “People were upset when we started. Now they’re upset we’re not having it. That shows how far we’ve come,” he added.
