The Murals of Corozal

By Deanna Lane , 19 April 2026

We heard by chance that Corozal, Belize had organized a graffiti festival in 2019-2020 and got excited to visit and see how intact the murals are. It presents an opportunity to ask questions about why the festival didn't continue - maybe it was covid related.

“...Covid brought back the creativity that so many of us had forgotten about. There has been a boom in creators as they turn to social media to showcase their talent, inspire others and ultimately come together to [allow] a renaissance in Belizean art to take place. As art continues [to] rise in Belize, we’ll be inspired by great artisans like Emilio Perera and Walter Castillo.”

— Pablo Cambranes (The Locally Project), 2021

Another question arose of how to start it back again in a community that has notably talented artists residing there. According to My Beautiful Belize in 2020 'Artists from as far as Cuba, Mexico, El Salvador and of course, Belize, took turns creating masterpieces in graffiti style at Corozal’s second annual Graffiti Festival.

Christy Carillo and mural students in Corozal

Daniel Cano, David Alvilez, Christy and Carlos Carillo were among the Corozal-based artists involved in the graffiti festival that brought murals to the waterfront in Corozal, but hasn't happened since 2020. As we roamed the streets searching for remnants of those murals you see some fading beautifully into growing vegetation from the intensity of the sun. All still striking in various stages of being bleached out by the sun or chipping away from the elements.

According to Heritage Belize online publication, 'Debra Wilkes Gray, the former director of the Corozal Street Art Movement (C-SAM). C-SAM’s story began in August 2017, with a small group of youth artists in Corozal Town who completed a mural painting workshop at the Corozal House of Culture facilitated by Belmopan artist, Kelvin Baizar.' Years later 10 artists comprised the Corozal Street Art Movement who launched the Graffiti Festival with the support of the Corozal House of Culture.

Kelvin Baizar left with mural students in Corozal

Belize has an incredibly thriving arts scene that is highly visible when traveling throughout the country. Artists who often show their work in galleries feel a commitment to sharing art in public spaces for the easiest access they feel is a need for society's general well being. Initiatives including the 2019-2021 Graffiti Festival and the Belize@40 in Corozal make apparent the bold steps be taken to create public art broadly throughout the districts.

What is abundantly clear in Corozal, as we have have experienced in other districts, is how much the artists support each other's work and appreciate creative collaboration whole-heartedly. Noted by artist Alexis Carrillo, who participated in the graffiti festival 'The best part was getting to know the creative and skilful minds of the other artists. They became like my family of artists who shared memories and laughter that will never be forgotten. Murals tell a story. Some say it is a waste of the artist’s time, but what many don’t know is that this helps the artist gain recognition nationally and internationally.” — 2021

In addition to murals covering walls around Corozal there was also a recent initiative to paint the bases of palm trees and trash cans around town beginning in 2021 acourding the Breaking Belize News. 76 trach cans were painted by local artists from Corozal and the surrounding areas.

'The sponsors of the newly installed bins were also recognized:

#73 “Slam Dunk the Junk” Alberto Dominguez, Canaima Dominguez, Gian & Nia – Corozal residents and community-spirited supporters.

#74 “Get Vaccinated and Stay Alive” Dr. Cardo Martinez, Corozal resident, and friend. Former President of the Belize Medical and Dental Association.

#75 “One Love” Dawn Heath, Hector Heath, and granddaughter Alana moved from Florida and are now retired in Corozal. Alana plays soccer as her favorite sport.

#76 “Keep Corozal Beautiful” Claudette Lanneaux – From New York – Property owner in Corozal and frequent visitor. An artist herself.'