Belize is a country located at the mouth of the Hondo River on the eastern coast of Central America. It is bordered by Guatemala to the north and Mexico to the northeast. It is considered a Carribbean country despite being in Central America.
Belize celebrates its Independence Day annually on 21st September as on this day it gained its independence from Britain on 21st September, 1981.
The Independence Day is an official national holiday in the country and thus it is passionately celebrated with parades, brilliant costumes, and music. It makes the best time to be in this tourist friendly beautiful country.
| Event | Belize Independence Day |
|---|---|
| Date | September 21, 2022 |
| Day | Wednesday |
| Significance | Belize's independence from Britain is commemorated on this day |
| Observed by | Belize |
Belize Independence Day History:
The history of Belize dates back thousands of years. The Maya civilization was the first one recorded to have spread into the area of modern-day Belize between 1500 B.C. and 300 A.D. and continued to flourish until about 900 A.D. when it mysteriously collapsed. Several archaeological evidence which are found today also proves that an advanced civilization had thrived here long before Europeans arrived in the region.
As the American conquest begun then Europeans started eyeing this place for their control and occupation. In 1638, Spain granted title to the land to the British under their “Bay Settlement.” However, they failed to occupy or even visit the area for more than 100 years after that date. But this gave a chance to other Europeans who came and settled there whom most of them were engaged in illegal activities like buccaneers and loggers who used Belize as a base for carrying out their operations without getting in notice of the authorities.
Layer in 1763, Spain granted the British permission to cut logwood to protect their territory against pirates and this caused a logwood boom for many years which greatly contributed in Britain's economy. During this time, pirates such as Henry Morgan became legends in the folklore, but it wasn’t until 1783 that Spain officially recognized Britain’s claim to the territory.
In 1836, after the emancipation of Central America from Spanish rule, the British claimed the right to administer the region. In 1862, the United Kingdom formally declared it a British Crown Colony, subordinate to Jamaica, and named it as British Honduras. As a colony, Belize began to attract British investors. Among the British firms that dominated the colony in the late 19th century was the Belize Estate and Produce Company. However during great depression it also seen its economy collapse.
Belize finally gained its independence from Britain on September 21, 1981. Then the country changed its name to Belize in 1973 to reflect the Maya heritage of its people. In 1981 it became an independent member of the Commonwealth before joining the Organization of American States (O.A.S.) in 1990 and finally the United Nations (U.N.) in 1993.
Belize Independence Day Significance:
Today Belize is a very small country with small area and a population of only some 400,000 people. But despite being so small it is incredibly diverse as about half of the population are racially amd ethnically mestizo while the rest includes creole, maya, white, chinese, indian etc.
And not just only it is very diverse in languages too. It is the only Central American country where English is the official language, while Belizean Creole is the most widely spoken dialect. Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language, followed by Mayan languages, German dialects, and Garifuna.
So for a country like this which is relatively very small still incredibly diverse and a very young nation which only got its independence some 40 years ago. So Independence Day means a lot to this country to identity itself as the people living here Belizeans to create a roadmap for the future of their country.
This day works as a reminder to all of Belizeans to recognize who they are and how they are gonna take this country forward. And as they are very diverse this day also gives the message of peace and brotherhood which urges Belizeans to show unity despite all differences as all of them are identified as Belizeans today.
Along with all of that this day also gives an opportunity to all of the Belizean people to express love and admiration for the country. Belizeans also respond with full patriotism and energy to celebrate their rich culture and everything Belizean be it cuisine, dance, music, etc.
Belize Independence Day Celebrations:
Independence Day parades are held across Belize on this day, usually beginning in the morning and continuing well till the afternoon. Belizeans dance along to soca music and proudly wave their country's flags during this parade. The biggest parade takes place in Belize City on Albert Street , in which the capital city is transformed into a sea of red, blue, and white as marchers make their way down the main street.
The month of September is also when you can find live music concerts throughout the country. Some as small affairs held in local villages featuring indigenous music while others are big events that draw top-name acts and thousands of fans. So music is definitely major aspect of the celebrations.
Another way to celebrate national pride is the Expo which is a two-day marketplace showcasing all of the best products made in Belize. More than 17,000 people will flock the halls of the Expo to buy locally-produced goods, dance, and sample all of the different forms of Belizean cuisine that make this cultural melting pot such a unique treat for food lovers.
The extraordinary display of color, street dancing, and marching is yet another way for Belizeans to celebrate their culture and nation and all of these you can find in various carnivals held across the country on this day. Don’t miss all the wonderful live music, dancing until dawn, and fun games and activities that surround this popular event.
As night falls, colorful fireworks light up the sky at several locations along the coast. In Placencia village, along The Placencia Sidewalk as you enjoy a cocktail or ice cream cone from one of the sidewalk's many shops or restaurants while viewing an awesome show of fireworks.
Most Searched FAQs on Belize Independence Day:
1. When Belize celebrates its Independence Day?
Belize celebrates its Independence Day annually on 21st September.
2. From whom did Belize got its independence?
Belize got its independence from Britain.
3. What is the language of Belize?
English is the official language of Belize.