English-speaking Belize dances to its own rhythms
By CYNTHIA CAMPBELL
Travel editor
Published: Sep 3, 2006
Snuggled between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize celebrates the 25th anniversary of its independence throughout September with parades, pageants, music and food.
English-speaking Belize gained its independence from Great Britain on Sept. 21, 1982. Since then, the country had developed into a place where multi-ethnic groups, including Creole, Maya, Mestizo and Garifuna (African-Carib Indian) create a culturally dynamic nation.
Traditionally, celebration activities center in and around Belize City, the country’s social and financial hub. But smaller events are held throughout the country. Visitors are invited to join the fun at karaoke competitions, fishing tournaments, fireworks displays, arts and crafts exhibitions, basketball tournaments and cultural dance performances.
Special events include Carnival in Belize City on Sept. 9, featuring a massive street parade with participants in elaborate costumes. Independence Day, Sept. 21, brings the biggest bash of all with another colorful parade. Live music concerts add the rhythms of Punta, reggae and soca music. Festivities also feature Belizean cuisine, motorcades and block parties.
Up-to-date schedules are available on a special Web site: http://www.septembercelebrations.com. The country is a two-hour plane ride from the continental United States. To find more information and make travel plans, contact http://www.travelbelize.org or call (800) 624-0686.
By CYNTHIA CAMPBELL
Travel editor
Published: Sep 3, 2006
Snuggled between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize celebrates the 25th anniversary of its independence throughout September with parades, pageants, music and food.
English-speaking Belize gained its independence from Great Britain on Sept. 21, 1982. Since then, the country had developed into a place where multi-ethnic groups, including Creole, Maya, Mestizo and Garifuna (African-Carib Indian) create a culturally dynamic nation.
Traditionally, celebration activities center in and around Belize City, the country’s social and financial hub. But smaller events are held throughout the country. Visitors are invited to join the fun at karaoke competitions, fishing tournaments, fireworks displays, arts and crafts exhibitions, basketball tournaments and cultural dance performances.
Special events include Carnival in Belize City on Sept. 9, featuring a massive street parade with participants in elaborate costumes. Independence Day, Sept. 21, brings the biggest bash of all with another colorful parade. Live music concerts add the rhythms of Punta, reggae and soca music. Festivities also feature Belizean cuisine, motorcades and block parties.
Up-to-date schedules are available on a special Web site: http://www.septembercelebrations.com. The country is a two-hour plane ride from the continental United States. To find more information and make travel plans, contact http://www.travelbelize.org or call (800) 624-0686.