Happy 36th Birthday, Belize!

Hello Casa Sunsandsea friends!

Last time we caught up we were getting ready to enjoy what’s known as the “Patriotic Month” here in Belize. With the Battle of St George’s Caye Day and Independence Day just weeks apart, September is most assuredly a month of celebrations and festivities.

This year marks the 36^th birthday of Belize, which gained independence from Great Britain after more than 200 years as a British Crown Colony. Belize became a sovereign nation on the 21^st of September 1981, becoming a fully fledged member of the UN and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations on the same day.

Independence Day marks a significant milestone in the history of Belize, and we like to celebrate it in true Belizean style – with food, parades and music!

So what can we expect from this year’s celebrations? As usual, plenty! The beach parties, fairs, floats and concerts that began with the Battle of St George’s Caye Day will keep on until the 21^st – culminating in huge fireworks shows and live performances that will take us through to the dawn.

Music is part of the Belize identity, so keep an ear out for the wide variety of acts and styles you’re bound to hear. You’ll get to explore a mix of indigenous music alongside big-name acts that will draw crowds in the thousands. This year there’s even a National Song Competition, where we’ll see performers from around the nation compete American Idol-style.

Here in Placencia we’ll be celebrating with a flag-raising ceremony and party at the Placencia Municipal Pier, followed by a all-day-long Independence Day Celebrations that include the must-see Carnival parade. Have your camera handy to immortalize the impressive, colorful parade of performers vying to be dubbed the Queen of the Bay!

We hope you’ll join us in donning the Belizean colors of red, white and blue, and celebrating the birthday of our nation!

This is Hugh Manatee signing off for now – stay tuna-ed for the next installment from the Casa!