September 21 is when Belize celebrates the momentous day in 1981 when the country gained full independence from Great Britain, but the way in which Independence Day is celebrated is quite unique to Belize.
In 1798, the British gained a decisive dominance over the land that would once be known as Belize, but the area was primarily inhabited by a combination of indigenous Maya and itinerant English loggers. But by 1862, Belize had officially become a British colony, given the name British Honduras to distinguish it from the nearby colony of Spanish Honduras (known simply as Honduras today). Belize was granted self-rule in 1964, and the country was renamed Belize in 1973.
Today, Independence Day is an occasion of great pride for people in Belize. Older residents honor the country’s British heritage while younger Belizeans celebrate the enormous success and progress made by their nation. Independence Day in Belize means lots of street parades featuring colorful floats, gorgeous costumes, and high-energy dances shaking their stuff to the sound of Soca, Punta, and other Belizean forms of music.
The parades and street festivals are no staid affairs in Belize. Instead, it’s like an open-air party with lots of music, cheering, and people festooned in red, white, and blue (the national colors). There’s usually also plenty of food and drinks being sold, games for adults and children, and live music performances by top acts from around the country. Belize City, Orange Walk Town, and San Pedro Town all put on very impressive parades, but just about every town and village also hosts a lively public event to celebrate Belize’s heritage.
The entire month of September is also filled with festivals, fairs, and parades to celebrate a number of events, including the Battle of St. George’s Caye Day in 1798 which led to Belize becoming a British colony. The holiday occurs on September 10 and is the informal kickoff to “patriotic season” which lasts until the enormous fireworks demonstrations on the evening of September 21.
Many Belizeans working overseas come back home during this time to celebrate the holidays with friends and family. This makes September a great time for visitors to get an authentic experience of Belizean culture and pride.
If you’re interested in participating in all of the celebrations this September in Belize, be sure to stay at Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch Jungle Lodge located in the heart of the pristine jungle just a short drive from Belmopan, the national capital.