National Celebrations Commission Belize

Today, the National Celebrations Commission, led by members Mr Albert Vaughan, NICH President, Mr Eluide Miller, NICH Administrator and Ms Kim Vasquez, Director of the Institute of Creative Arts, and Mayor Bernard Wagner of Belize City, presented the Belize Carnival Association with a contribution of BZ 20,000.

This contribution was received by leaders of the Association alongside representatives of the various bands participating this year.

As previously shared by NCC Chairman, Hon. Francis Fonseca, this contribution will go a long way to support bands as they prepare for the 2026 Carnival season.

📌 The National Celebrations Commission, today, held its 3rd planning meeting for Belize@45, chaired by Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the National Celebrations Commission.

This meeting's agenda focused on the Belize@45 Theme Competition, the National Celebrations Calendar of Events and other activities being planned. Look out for more updates coming soon! 🙌🏼

Nominate your choice for the Creative & Cultural Excellence Award for the practice, teaching, and transmission of acting in theatre and film—celebrating the legacy of Beverly Smith Lopez and her invaluable contribution to Belize’s performing arts.

📩 Submit nominations: [email protected]

🗓 Deadline: April 24, 2026

Nominate your choice for the Creative & Cultural Excellence Award for Dance and help us honour the legacy of Rosita Baltazar—an enduring symbol of passion, rhythm, and Belizean pride.

📩 Submit nominations: [email protected]

🗓 Deadline: April 24, 2026

The George Gabb Prize recognises excellence in original visual art and design, paying tribute to one of Belize’s artistic pioneers. Do you know a creative whose work deserves the spotlight?

Submit your nomination today for the Belize@45 Creative and Cultural Excellence Award and help us celebrate the visionaries shaping Belize’s cultural landscape.

📧 [email protected]

🗓 Deadline: April 24, 2026

📚✨ Submit your nomination for the Zee Edgell Prize for Literary Arts, honouring writers who shape our identity and preserve our voices.

Be part of the Belize@45 Creative & Cultural Excellence Awards and help us recognise literary brilliance.

🗓 Deadline: April 24, 2026
📧 [email protected]

Nominate a cultural champion for the Belize@45 Creative and Cultural Excellence Awards. The Don Elijio Panti Prize honours those dedicated to protecting and advancing indigenous knowledge in Belize.

📩 Submit your nomination today to [email protected]
🗓 Deadline: April 24, 2026

Nominate a champion of creativity and heritage for the Belize Creative & Cultural Excellence Award, inspired by the enduring impact of Leela Vernon.

This category recognises individuals and groups advancing community action, representation, and the safeguarding of our rich cultural traditions.

📧 Submit your nomination: [email protected]

🗓 Deadline: April 24, 2026

Submissions are now open for the Andy Palacio Award for Original Belizean Music, part of the Creative & Cultural Excellence Awards. Honour the legacy of a cultural legend by uplifting the voices and sounds that define who we are as a people.

Know a musician whose work captures the spirit of Belize? Submit your nomination today!

📧 [email protected]
🗓 Deadline: 24 April 2026

Let’s continue to preserve, promote, and celebrate Belizean creativity.

🎨🎶 Do you know someone who is helping to shape Belize’s cultural and creative landscape? Now is the time to recognise their contribution!

The Creative & Cultural Excellence Awards honour Belizeans who are dedicated to preserving, promoting, and advancing our arts, culture, and heritage. 🌟

📧 Submit nominations to: [email protected]
📅 Deadline: 24 April 2026

Let’s celebrate our people whose passion, talent, and dedication help define who we are as a nation.