September Celebrations Highlight Much Growth in Belize

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye - Belize, October 1, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Throughout the month of September the country of Belize celebrates several patriotic holidays with parades, parties, fireworks, with street and village fairs, each as enthusiastic and colorful as the next, offering a special view into the pride and patriotism of this young country. The observances begin on September 10, officially honoring the victory of the 1798 Battle of St. George’s Caye, when a fledgling catch-all collection of local log-cutters called Baymen joined with British settlers to oust the formidable Spanish Armada. On September 21 Independence Day explodes with events and observances honoring 1981, when British Honduras shed its colonial configuration and became the self-governing commonwealth of Belize. Blue, white, and red dominate the landscape, as buildings, transport vehicles, bicycles, and even painted faces and nails reflect the excitement and enthusiasm of the multi-cultural gatherings of Belizeans. Visitors unite with locals to celebrate all that this dynamic country has accomplished in 33 years, from establishing a Democratic Parliamentary governing system to joining CARICOM, the Caribbean Community of tropical islands which welcome tourists and ex-patriots.

The gradual sophistication of this former Mayan stronghold attests to the tenacity of natives and the openness with which settlers and visitors have been welcomed over the decades. Each village, town, and Belize’s two largest cities, Belize City and capital Belmopan, has a colorful history of evolution, as jungles became cleared for settlement or for resorts and cultural sites. Farms and plantations and manufacturing became established to develop industries of the terrific natural resources from sugar cane and rum to tropical fruits, coffee, and cacao/chocolate, with wood harvesting and furniture crafting.  In the outer islands, called The Cayes, the seafood business thrives, while the tourism industry enjoys spectacular exposure with the internationally renowned natural wonders of Belize’s Barrier Reef. Opportunities to relocate to property in Belize have also grown over the years, with two national airlines and thousands of miles of paved roads. Government departments and regulations have developed alongside the landscape, resulting in open invitations with flexible guidelines encouraging visitors to consider joining this population of fewer than 500,000 people as a property owner, business member, or retiree.

Visiting Belize during September offers a rich view of local traditions, from the Queen of the Bay and pageants featuring beauty and talent, to musical traditions of marching tattoos and band competitions. The dual somber and celebratory day of September 19 is when the country’s first Prime Minister, The Right Honorable George Price, died in 2011, and is the birthday of Coca-Cola and Belikin beer bottling magnate Sir Barry Bowen (1945-2010).  Create your own celebration of Belize in September. Cheers!