San Pedro Town

San Pedro is a town on the southern part of the island of Ambergris Caye in the Belize District of Belize, in Central America. It is the second-largest town in the Belize District and the largest in the Belize Rural South constituency. As of 2024, the town has about 20,000 people. It used to be a quiet fishing village but became an official town in 1984.

The people who live in San Pedro are called San Pedranos. Most of them originally came from Mexico and can speak both Spanish and English very well. Because of the local language called Kriol, many people also use a special mix of English and Spanish known as "Kitchen Spanish".

San Pedro is famous because it is said to have inspired the song "La Isla Bonita" by Madonna. This song has helped bring many visitors to the town and made it well-known around the world.

History

Many people left during a big fight called the "Guerra de Castas" and moved to northern Belize. The British helped them settle there so they could grow food for nearby lumber camps.

The first families arrived in San Pedro between 1848 and 1849. They were mostly fishermen who moved their families to the island for safety. The town grew from just four families to a village of about 30 houses with over 50 people. These new settlers were farmers and fishers.

In 1984, San Pedro became an official town. A special ceremony was held with important guests, and Gilberto Chico Gomez became the town's first mayor.

Tourism

San Pedro is a popular place for tourists. It has protected areas like the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. One of its most treasured features is the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the second-largest reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef. This reef is home to many sea creatures.

Tourism, especially scuba diving, is important for the town's economy. Because so many people come to dive, there are two hyperbaric decompression chambers on the island. The town also has the Ambergris Museum. The road to the north is over 10 miles long and has many resorts and beach houses.

Carnaval festival

San Pedro is famous for its festivals, especially El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro. This celebration started in the 1870s and features a character called “Juan Carnaval.”

The festival uses water paint and breaking eggs. There are special rules: on the first day, only children can join until 7 pm. They must stay between Ruby’s Hotel beachfront and the cemetery area along Barrier Reef Drive. They should not paint people who are not taking part, public signs, buildings, or Comparsa participants. They also cannot use rotten eggs, spray paint, or oil paints.

El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro Comparsa

Twin towns – sister cities

San Pedro Town has a special friendship with another town. It is connected with Wilmington, North Carolina in the United States. This friendship started in 2007.