The Belize September Celebrations!

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Introduction of the Belize September Celebrations:

Belize is an alluring destination by creation and in the Celebratory month of September travelers joins the Nation in commemorating its Historical milestones. Through vibrant celebratory events, including a Carnival and Independence Day Parade, all participants are guaranteed an experience of a lifetime.

This year, the Nation of Belize, celebrates: the Carnival Parade on September 8th,
the “214th Anniversary of The Battle of St. George’s Caye Day” on September 10th, and the 31st Anniversary of Independence on September 21st.   The love-for-Belize (by its citizens and visitors) is more pronounced during these festive celebrations.  The month of September is a must-travel time for visitors, who are eager to unravel Belize’s mystique while exploring its legacy and culture!

Cultures: Belize boasts an array of cultures, including: the Maya, Creole, Mestizo, Chinese, Mennonites and East Indian.  The cultural experience of each visitor to Belize, in whichever region of Belize you find yourself, will be vastly different.  From rice and beans to relleno, the cuisines are as enticing as the culture.

The 31st Anniversary of Belize’s Independence:

Belize celebrates its 31st Independence Day in September. This year, the theme of the National Celebrations speaks to the nature of Belize, “Many Faces, Many Dreams-One Goal, Celebrating Belize”. Visitors will find the legacy of Belize to be quite an interesting recollection of: discovery, settlement, conflict, and victory.

History: Belize’s Independence Day celebration draws both citizens and travelers from all regions of the world.  As a relatively small country ( only 8,866 square miles) Belize (formerly known as “British Honduras”) became a Crown Colony of Britain in 1862.  The people of this former colony of Britain started its campaign toward Independence in 1950 and by 1973 had officially changed its name to Belize.  On September 21st 1981, Belize finally gained its Independence from Britain.  This triumph, while a great accomplishment, was decades in the making.

Since its Colonial days Belize has evolved into a top tourist destination, gaining international exposure, a result of its natural wonders, people and adventure options.

The Battle of St. George’s Caye Day:

The small island of St. George’s Caye is located just a few minutes East of Belize City.

History: The Battle of St. George’s Caye is a momentous occasion in  Belize’s History and this year’s September 10th marks its 214th  Anniversary.    This Historic day took place on September 10th,  1798.  History shows that the Spaniard  invaders entered the Montego Caye Shoal, at St. George’s Caye, hoping to  attack, capture and finally evict the Baymen and British settlers.  The Spaniards began their military advance on  September 3rd, 1798 and made their final push to capture St. George’s Caye on September 10th, 1798. Due to a superior defensive  position and planning, the settlers successfully repulsed the Spaniard invasion. It marked the final effort by the Spaniards in the history of Belize to expel the settlers.

Exactly 100 years later, September 10th was designated as a National Day in commemoration of the Battle  of St. George’s Caye.

The Carnival and Jouvert Parade 10th  Day Celebration:

Belizeans will attest to festive spirits of all participants at the colorful Carnival Day and Jouvert Parade.  This year Carnival and Jouvert will be held on the 8th September
2012.  Carnival Day draws crowds in the thousands and both onlookers and participants can be seen in the brightest of  colors, jumping and dancing along the parade route.

History: The Carnival Day was started in 1975 by Belizeans who formed, “The Committee of Forty”.  The  Carnival was formed as a way of bringing more fun into the already enticing September Celebrations.

The Carnival Jouvert (the pre-carnival parade) starts at the break of dawn and Belizeans from all over congregate on the city streets to paint each other with chocolate and other edible items. This parade lasts for about an hour with thousands of
participants dancing to Soca music with the spirit of celebration flowing
through the veins of everyone!

In the mid-afternoon the Carnival bands of all ages line the streets dressed in their unique-themed inspired costumes where they display their choreographed dances to Soca, Reggae and other Caribbean inspired music genres, competing for the title of the “Best 2012 Carnival Band”.

Belize is the ultimate place to be, take a trip-grab a flag and join in on the celebrations!

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