Eat, drink and be scary:
Hello Sirenian Bay friends!
It’s that spooky time of year again, and we at Sirenian Bay are busy planning our Halloween outfits and our trick or treating snacks.
Halloween might be a primarily American holiday, but that doesn’t matter. As you might have guessed by now, Belizeans love any excuse to get dressed up and party. Halloween is no exception. Costumed party-goers take over the beaches, bars and streets all over.
Placencia definitely gets in on the action, with Halloween celebrations that max out the day – and often the one following. That’s because Belize also celebrates Dia de los Muertos on November 1.
The most famous of our ghostly revelries is the annual Barefoot Bar Halloween bash. It’s easy to spot: look for costumed locals competing for prizes and ushering in the witching hour as a DJ spins up some dance tracks. If things get too busy, head to the Tipsy Tuna for more costumed fun set to a different soundtrack.
The littles have plenty to look forward to as well. A parade featuring dressed-up youngsters and impressive floats travels from the pier and through town. Trophies are awarded to the best-dressed and candy is handed out to all. It’s competitive, too: last year’s parade involved over 100 kids.
With the costume competition done and dusted, the kids turn their attention to an even bigger prize: trick or treating. Placencia’s gorgeous houses transform into cobweb-coated castles and zombie-filled shacks, making them perfect for a scary outing. Expect to come away with enough candy to keep you going for a few months!
If you want to get off the mainland, you can also head over to Ambergris Caye, where the Holiday Hotel hosts a jam-packed Halloween party. Kids can trick or treat in San Pedro, too.
Once you’ve shaken yourself out of your sugar coma, it’s time to participate in Dia de los Muertos festivities. A Mexican holiday tradition that came over to Belize via the Mestizo population, it celebrates the passing of loved ones. Why? because to celebrate life you need to be able to celebrate its flip side.
Belizeans use the day to honor their loved ones with bright memorials, family gatherings and hand-made floral wreaths. It’s a much quiet, personal affair – but just as much of a celebration as the preceding Halloween festivities.
Well, it’s time to start working on my costume! Stay tuned for Halloween-themed updates and a look at Garifuna Settlement Day!