Benque Fiesta to be officially opened Friday night

Photo Credit: Benque Viejo Town Council/Erick Martinez

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The country’s most traditional municipal fair, the Benque Fiesta, has been swinging since Thursday and will continue until Sunday. Tonight, led by Mayor Jorge Antonio Rosales, the fiesta will be officially opened.

Outgoing Flor de la Feria Shivany Cunil will crown the new queen Cheri Contreras during the ceremony to be held at the popular Cancha Marshalleck which is the center of activities.

Señorita Flor de la Feria 2023 Cheri Contreras (Photo Credit: Erick Martimez)

The Benque Fiesta, which is a spectacular celebration of culture, sports, music, and tons of fun, is held yearly in honour of the westernmost town’s patron saint, the Lady of Mount Carmel, whose feast day is celebrated on July 16.

The Benque Viejo del Carmen Town Council has prepared a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy.

After last night’s dance with Los Hijos del West Marimba and Mariachi El Jaguar, today Friday, activities start with the Culture Show, featuring the rich culture of Benque and its neighbours. You can enjoy the Santa Cruz Dance Group, Amir Gabriel – Belize’s new urban singer, and the Ballet Folklórico from San Benito, Peten, Guatemala as of 1:00 pm at the Centennial Park Stadium. After that, join the excitement as Benque and Guatemalan teams compete in football and basketball games at 6:00 pm. Then comes the official opening of the Benque Fiesta at 8:00 pm featuring the Crowning of Señorita Flor de la Feria Cheri Contreras and a dance with Dj Piju and DJ Diablillo at Cancha Marshalleck.

Once Friday is over, get ready for Saturday which brings more football featuring Belizean and Guatemalan teams and the International Rodeo where you’ll surely be delighted by the best cowboys and cowgirls showing off their skills and bravery. To top it all off, dance the night away with Techno Band, La Raza Band from Peten, and DJ Piju from 9:00 pm until 5:00 am at the Cancha Marshalleck.

On the final day, Sunday, activities start as early as 10:30 am with the pulsating beat of the Marching Bands Parade starting at the Centennial Park and going through Benque’s main streets. Then, off you go to check out the final matches of the official football tournament and to the second day of the International Rodeo in the afternoon. The Benque Fiesta then closes with the final dance featuring the great Gilharry 7 Band and DJ Piju.

You can also visit Mount Carmel Church very early in the morning around 5:00 am for the Alboradas and in the evening for the Rezos (Novena). You certainly can’t miss the accompanying fireworks.

Join the party! It’s Benque Fiesta time!