Easter Fish Demand Holds Steady as Vendors Navigate Holiday Tradition

It’s Holy Thursday, and for many, the tradition of eating fish on Good Friday remains.  In past years we have seen the price of this popular Easter commodity fluctuate with most fishermen upping the price due to the demand.  For a look at this year’s fish buying tradition, Reporter Dorda Castillo met up with fish vendors.  Here is her story.

Dorda Castillo, Love News: Every year, the lesions prepare for a whole week by searching for the best price for fresh fish which across local markets has seen fluctuating costs over the years leaving many people flocking to local fish markets and fish vendors to see where they can stretch their dollar to maintain a custom that has been maintained for over generations. From Easter family meals on Good Friday to the deeply rooted practice of avoiding red meat. We spoke to local fisherman, Barret Pollard, about his prices to see if this year that tradition may come at a steeper price. 

Barret Pollard, Fisherman: “Well once it’s Easter that’s fisherman’s Christmas so it’s good. Once it’s Easter or 19th.”

Dorda Castillo, Love News: Vendors from across the city highlighted reasons why fish sizes and their types may affect this year’s price, from rising fuel costs to unpredictable weather that limit the daily catch. As the annual surge in Easter demands approach. We hear why fishermen are struggling to keep up with supplies. We visited Conchshell Bay Market and spoke with Chris Garcia, a local fisherman from the area. 

Chris Garcia, Fisherman: “The rate has been skyrocketing from last year.” 

Dorda Castillo, Love News: What type of fish have you seen had the biggest price jumps. 

Chris Garcia, Fisherman: “The snapper, Bay Snook, and lobster. Lobster and fish and everything.”

Dorda Castillo, Love News: For many Belizeans, skipping fish during Holy Week is not an option. It is a matter of faith, family and cultural identity. One that goes beyond dinner table. We spoke to a couple customers who were purchasing fish and this is what they had to see. 

Customer: “Pretty much I expect it to go up because of the fuel going up but it’s crazy. Just crazy how it went up sky high. I spent $35 just now on five small fish like see let me show you. This size fish, this is what we paid five of this for $35.”

Customer: “Well I like the prices because here it’s $7 a pound so it’s reasonable.”

Dorda Castillo, Love News: How do you feel about it ? 

Customer: “It’s good because I went to the other two markets and the prices there is $15 a pound and I left from there and came over to this side.”
Dorda Castillo, Love News: With prices fluctuating, citizens are left to search at various fish markets and fish vendors at different pop-up areas to get the best deals on special commodity known as Good Friday fish. As Holy Week arrives, one thing remains clear for most Belizeans, no price tag is enough to break a tradition that has been passed down through generations. Whether it means stretching the budget, traveling further, or settling for a smaller cut, fish will find its way onto the Easter table. The challenge now falls upon fishermen, vendors, and families alike to navigate a season where the spirit is willing. Dorda Castillo for Love News.