Belize radiates celebration: traditions, rhythms, and flavors to experience from September to November

Belize, which has turned the word "party" into a verb, is known for being a lively people, and they take the country's birthday very seriously. Independence Day is technically on September 21st, but the celebration begins the moment the 18 flags are raised at the national monument on September 1st. This year, the country celebrates its 44th anniversary, since it gained independence from Great Britain in 1981. To show that it is a proud country capable of anything, no matter how small, every year, Belizeans—at home and abroad—go all out to celebrate its independence.

The month of September is packed with events, from the 1st to the eagerly awaited parades on the 21st. This is one of the best times to visit Belize, as you can see the locals in their element. The joy is contagious, and you can't help but share in the exciting joy of honoring the country. From paint-throwing street parties to a kaleidoscope of colors featuring feathers and glitter (usually accompanied by the swaying of hips dancing to Belizean rhythms), the colors of red, white, and blue splash across buildings, streets, and even people.

What better way to have a great time than celebrating alongside Belizeans? If you want to be part of the history being made on the streets of Belize every September, here are some events you can't miss:

Battle of St. George's Caye Day - Arrive early at Belize City Memorial Park to witness ceremonies, a parade, and other exciting activities. This event commemorates the Battle of St. George's Caye, which Belize won against the Spanish in 1798. 

Carnival - The riotous explosion of color and sound spills into the streets alongside the parade floats, which often carry drinks, beads, or snacks to give away to spectators. Make sure you find a good spot with shade and a good view to watch the dancers and floats. 

Pan Yaad is a fascinating steelpan event that adds a vibrant note to Belize's September celebrations. As night falls, thousands of steelpan enthusiasts gather at the House of Culture, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The event showcases the extraordinary talent of the energetic bands from Belize City and the surrounding area. Pan Yaad is an event that encapsulates the essence of the hypnotic steelpan sound so beloved by so many! It's one of the highlights of the September celebrations not to be missed! 

September 21 - On this day, the entire country shares a vibrant rhythm, from parades on Orange Walk to city festivities. 

Honoring the Dead: Los Finados in Belize

As October approaches, many are eager to don Halloween costumes, attend parties, and go trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. Meanwhile, the Mayan-Mestizo communities of northern and western Belize prepare for a solemn tradition, Los Finados. Also known as Day of the Dead, this cultural event blends Indigenous and Catholic practices and beliefs and honors deceased loved ones from November 1–9. 

Día de los Angelitos
Los Finados (Day of the Little Angels) comes from the Yucatecan tradition in Mexico, Hanal Pixan (Food for the Souls), the offering to the dead. They believe that the souls of deceased loved ones will return to visit from Purgatory, a place to purify the soul. On November 1, called Día de Los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels), they celebrate children who have passed away with a unique altar adorned with sweet bread, candies, and other tasty treats. 

Día de las Animas (Day
of the Dead) The following day, November 2, All Souls' Day, honors adult loved ones. Families prepare altars with the deceased's favorite foods, sweets, and drinks, such as preserves (squash, papaya, crab, watermelon, etc.) compotes, ix'pasha (a type of dessert made with icing), and buns. Only the cook should taste the ix'pasha, and the rest is distributed to eat after the novena and prayers. Typically, cooking for Los Finados is a family effort and is a quiet, sacred time as the spirits are on their way.

The altar is decorated with flowers, photos of the deceased, religious images or statues, and wax candles. Prayers of thanksgiving are offered to honor the deceased. 

On November 9, the final day of Los Finados in Belize, families place candles along roads to guide the spirits back to their resting places. In many communities, the celebration concludes with a mass and a procession to the cemetery, where loved ones offer prayers, flowers, wreaths, food, and drinks at their graves.

Belizean reenactments of Los Finados highlight the extraordinary ways communities connect with the deceased. It is a sacred and vibrant cultural tradition passed down through generations. November is the national month of Garifuna celebration and an exciting time for visitors to Belize. The hypnotic melodies of the Garifuna drums are resonant rhythms of the south. The "

Battle of the Drums and

Food Festival" is held annually in the town of Punta Gorda. 

Battle of the Drums: Prepare for a memorable night in Punta Gorda Village, as these exciting Garifuna competitions captivate everyone... Discover some of the traditional dances and drums, such as Punta, Hungu, Paranda, Chumba, and Wanaragua. 

Gastronomic Festival: Do you love exotic flavors? Delight in delicious Garifuna dishes, accompanied by live cultural performances throughout the night. Enjoy tasty dishes such as Cassava Bread, Cassava Pudding, Hudut, Tapou, and much more. And witness the "Taste of Garifuna" cooking competition. 

If you're traveling to Belize during this time, don't miss this event, which is an electrifying display of traditional Garinagu drumming and dancing.

Source: Belize Tourism Board.