Throughout the month of September, streets are beautifully decorated in red, white and blue while patriotic songs chorus through its young population. August 31st is the official launch of the September Celebrations with the Carnival King & Queen competition held at the Marion Jones Stadium in Belize City. September 1st is recognized as the National Flag Day and Flag Raising ceremony which is held in every district around the country. September 6th is the annual Miss Universe Belize Pageant followed by the much-anticipated Carnival J’ouvert and road march through the principal streets of the old capital, Belize City on September 7th.
Formerly a British Crown Colony since 1862, Belize is truly a gem surrounded by Honduras on the south, Mexico on the north, Guatemala on the west and the Caribbean Sea on the east making it unique as the only English-speaking country in Central America. Belize proclaimed its territory on September 10th, 1798 against the Spaniards which is now celebrated as a public and bank holiday as the Battle of St. George’s Caye. Belize emerged from colonialism to independence on September 21st, 1981 and as such, September is a very special month for all Belizeans commemorating their ancestors struggle towards victory and freedom from colonialism.
Festivities throughout Belize
Each district holds their unique calendar of events for the month ranging from pageants to clean up campaigns to kid talent show to song competition and school uniform parade. Independence eve is celebrated with entertainment at different locations of each district followed by fireworks at midnight. On September 21st, you will witness a colourful parade across the breadth and width of the country alive with patriotic Caribbean music, dance groups, decorative bicycles, business floats, horses and more as spectators raise their flag with pride.
San Ignacio & Santa Elena
The festivities in the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena commences with the selection of the new Queen of the West in mid-August followed by national flag raising ceremony on September 1st and movie night at Victor Galvez Stadium. The fun continues with Art in the Park on September 7th at 8:00 am at the Cayo Welcome Center followed by a sports marathon on September 8th at the Falcon Field at 9:00 am and Senior citizen evening with Marimba at 6:00 pm at the Welcome Center. September 14th is observed as a mini fair which includes sports and BBQ cook off at the Santa Elena Sporting Complex. September 20th is the national school children’s rally leading to entertainment and fireworks display in the night.
September 21st is the big day where Belizeans showcase their pride and love for Belize by happily dancing to the sound of soca and punta music, acrobats and cadet members showcasing their talent, decorative bicycles, horses and more!
Melting pot of cultures
September is the perfect time of the year to acquaint yourself with Belize’s impressive melting pot of cultures consisting of Creole, East Indians, Mestizo, Garinagu, Chinese, Mennonites and Mayas. Ni Hao from our Chinese community who usually partake in the September celebrations parade in San Ignacio!
If you’re planning a vacation to Belize, let Mayawalk Tours be your first choice! We invite you to come experience our Mayan ancestry and patriotism as we celebrate our 38th birthday under this year’s theme: “From Mayan grandeur to modern glory, together let’s shape the Belizean story” (Eloy Escalante).
Hip, hip, Hooray!
Discount Available: Use Promo Code SEPTEMBER10 to receive a 10% discount per person on all Mayawalk tours for the month of September at check out.
Photo credit to 501 Boyz Productions, Alamy Stock Photo, BelizeanVibez and Pandy Show.