Belize Carnival Celebrates 50 Years
Belize September Celebrations are swiftly approaching with energy at an all-time high, especially as Carnival in Belize celebrates 50 years! Carnival is a renowned event on the first Saturday in September. Spectators line the streets with their chairs, umbrellas, and coolers filled with refreshing drinks, excitedly awaiting the start of the festivities.
As Carnival commemorates its 50th anniversary, let’s dive into its history and legacy in Belize.
The Birth of an Idea
After Hurricane Hattie devastated Belize in 1961, the September 10th celebration of the Battle of St. George’s Caye was not as joyful as it had been before. The Committee of Forty was a group responsible for planning and executing the activities in September. Henry Young, a member of the committee, had sparked an idea that would reignite excitement for celebrating. He thought it would be great to include street dancing. It was the introduction of trucks with sound systems in parades. This idea was the start of something new and transformative in Belize’s celebration culture – Carnival.
The Start of a New Celebration
In 1975, Belize had its first Carnival in the September 10th parade. Unlike the rest of the Caribbean, Belize’s Carnival has no relation to Lent. Instead, it celebrates the country’s cultural heritage, with its influences from African culture.
A group of five women, Crystal Vernon, June Singh, Alice Williams, Myrtle Flowers, and Maud Williams, pioneered Carnival in Belize. They started the movement “Belizean Women for Cultural Preservation.” These women were innovators, recycling materials to craft fascinating costumes for their children and the neighborhood kids to dance in the parade.
Other participants in the parade were Solie Arguelles’ dance school. She had gathered young girls who were vulnerable to being on the streets, along with her dancers, to perform in their vibrant costumes. In those days, parents did not have to purchase carnival costumes. The groups received support for their materials for the costumes, and the children showed up to dance. The women behind the carnival groups created costumes out of love for creativity, their country, and children.
The Committee of Forty would select the judges, unknown to the groups. The children had to do their best at their choreographed routine in front of the Paslow Building. The judges would be seated upstairs on the second floor.
An Evolving Celebration
However, after Belize’s independence in 1981, a decision was made to separate Carnival from the September 10th parade. Carnival transformed into an extravaganza, flooding the streets with captivating colors, embellishments, feathers, and synchronized steps. Belizean Women for Cultural Preservation went on to win many Carnival Road Marches, becoming the most sought-after and influential band. They became a registered band in 1988 in the senior category, with mostly women. The Belizean diaspora in Miami invited them to participate in the Annual Caribbean Carnival in the late 1980s. They had then visited several times after, creating a new dynamic for Belize’s Carnival.
The yearly competition and international influence motivated groups to improve their presentation. The Belize Women for Cultural Preservation invited a Trinidadian designer to host a workshop, which inspired local designers to elevate their craft. Additionally, Puntarama, renamed GEM, arrived in Belize with a Trinidadian flair in the late 1990s, wearing two-piece outfits with large backpack pieces.
In the late 1990s, 25 years after its inception, the women of BWCP handed over the band to its members who were learning the ropes for the potential transition. The name was changed from “Belize Women for Cultural Preservation” to “CJAMM“, an acronym in honor of the founding five women: (C)rystal, (J)une, (A)lice, (M)yrtle, and (M)aud. Other bands that joined over the years were Cultural Heritage, GEM, Black Pearl, Mother Nature’s Creations, Southside Masqueraders, Soca Moca, Belizean Jewels, Titans, Eternity, Erotic, and Jam Jam Mas Band, with many other junior bands.
The Impact of Carnival on Lives
David Matus
Carnival in Belize has impacted the lives of many. It is that one time of the year when people can be expressive, with little to no stressors on their minds. One of those persons is David Matus, a reveller for the past 28 years, and the band leader of Titans Mas Band. “My enduring passion for Carnival, developed over many years, led me to take on the role of Band Leader, where I continue to channel my creativity and leadership into the art form.” He continues, “Carnival is not just an event — it is a way of life and an integral part of who I am… It provides me with a powerful platform to express my identity and creativity through the art of costume design and cultural celebration.”
Titans Mas Band has been a part of the Carnival in Belize for ten years, with nearly 30% of its participants being visiting travellers from abroad. David expresses, “Every visit boosts our economy — from hotels and restaurants to transportation and local businesses. When they take to the road with Titans for Carnival, it’s more than just a parade; it’s an unforgettable journey filled with culture, energy, and joy — creating memories that last a lifetime.”
Audrey Bradley
Soca Moca Mas Band has been a part of Carnival in Belize for the past 15 years, having the title of Carnival Road March Winners for 2019 and 2022 to 2024. However, Audrey Bradley, the band leader, has been involved in Carnival since 2001. That is 9 years before starting something of her own. For her, there’s no secret to being consecutively victorious. It’s a matter of knowing your theme, selecting the right music, choreographing the routine, and most importantly, creating the costumes.
Though there’s no method to the madness, she emphasizes “the secret I would say is Family, Unity, Love, and Togetherness.” Audrey shares that Soca Moca has been passed down from the previous generation, and she intends to continue the tradition. “My family, friends, and for the most part the wider community that come to Soca Moca for a safe place and somewhere to use soca as escape and freedom. Somewhere they can call home.”
There are so many band leaders and revellers who feel the positive impact of Carnival. Although faced with challenges to make every year possible, these creatives from across the city and country share common denominators: their love for Carnival, freedom of expression, and keeping this cultural tradition alive.
The Future for Carnival
Carnival in Belize, celebrating 50 years, is a testament to the numerous efforts made in cultural preservation in Belize. With its unique backstory and gradual evolution, Belize is positioning itself as a Carnival destination. “Today we may have shifted from the staple traditions, but still carry the tradition of the Caribbean flavor,” The Belize Carnival Association shared. They continued to say, “Carnival can impact our tourism industry.” They believe efforts such as corporate relationships and sponsorships, alliances with regional Carnival Associations, and other initiatives can further assist groups in-country. The Association and band leaders are hopeful for the future of Carnival. They foresee a more elaborate, inclusive, and exciting Carnival, cementing Belize on the map for this grand event!
