Belize Launches “Carnival Gold” Magazine and Official Songs to Mark 50 Years of Carnival

The National Celebrations Commission (NCC), in collaboration with the Belize Carnival Association (BCA), today unveiled the Carnival@50 “Carnival Gold” Magazine and official songs celebrating the golden jubilee of Belize’s Carnival.

The launch brought together carnival artists and community members to honor half a century of vibrant festivities. Acclaimed local performers Ernestine Carballo and TR Shine debuted their officially commissioned songs, each paying tribute to the traditions, energy, and cultural significance of the event.

The Carnival@50 Magazine offers an in-depth look at Carnival’s rich history in Belize, featuring archival photographs, personal stories, and accounts tracing its evolution and influence on national culture. Organizers say the publication is a tribute to the spirit, creativity, and unity Carnival has inspired over the decades.

Minister of Culture Francis Fonseca noted that Carnival predates Belize’s independence, making it a key part of the nation’s cultural heritage. “It felt appropriate to focus on one of the most anticipated events of the September Celebrations calendar and to turn to Carballo and TR Shine to get us all in the celebrations mood,” Fonseca said.

During the event, municipalities received their annual National Celebrations funding to prepare for upcoming festivities. Organizers also paid tribute to artistic and educational icon Leroy Green, honoring his long-standing contributions to Carnival and the Children’s Festival of Arts.

This year’s golden jubilee festivities promise to blend tradition with renewed energy, ensuring that Carnival remains a cornerstone of Belize’s September Celebrations.