Happy Independence Day, Belize! Every September 21st, the Central American nation of Belize celebrates its independence. In 2023, Belize will celebrate 42 years of independence from British rule. Whether you’re living in Belize as an expat or simply visiting around the middle of September, Remitly is here to provide you with a quick guide about the holiday so that you can celebrate with some knowledge.
A brief history of Belizean Independence Day
Before it gained independence, Belize wasn’t even known as Belize. Following the Treaty of Versailles in 1783, Spain gave the British a stretch of land for logwood between the Belize and Hondo rivers. This land was expanded in 1786 after the Convention of London.
While the area remained under British rule for a century, it wasn’t until 1862 that it was officially deemed a British colony known as British Honduras. The name came from the land bordering the Gulf of Honduras.
Belize didn’t gain its independence easily. Along with stubborn British rule, Guatemala maintained its own claims to the territory. In 1973, British Honduras changed its name to Belize, though it still remained a British colony.
After violent demonstrations and a general lack of cooperation from Guatemala, the UK passed the Belize Act of 1981 on September 21, 1981. This officially turned the country of Belize into a sovereign nation, separate from British rule.
How does Belize celebrate Independence Day?
While September 21st is the official day of Belize’s independence, the whole month is packed with patriotic parties, celebrations, and feasts. Part of that comes from the sheer number of important holidays in the month, including Carnival (September 9th) and St. George’s Caye Day (September 10th).
Take a look at some things you can expect during Belize Independence Day and the month of September in general.
1. Carnival in Belize
Carnival in Belize is a celebration of the country’s African and indigenous Mayan traditions and practices, showcasing the country’s diverse arts and culture. This largely takes the form of a massive street party along with a wide range of events, like the Miss Belize Pageant and Belize National Song Competition.
J’ouvert is the official pre-carnival event, comprising raucous dancing to Soca music through the streets of Belize City as people are covered in mud, paint, and chocolate. This continues into stadiums or other large venues where partygoers can watch live music and entertainment.
2. Parades
Parades are a huge part of Belize Independence Day. From local parades to larger marches in major cities, you can expect a parade wherever you go during September. These usually include large floats, marching bands, and dancers dressed in resplendent cultural attire.
3. St. George’s Caye Day
September 10th marks the anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye, a conflict between residents of then British Honduras and Spain. The day commemorates the courage and heroism of the Baymen and enslaved people who fought in the battle.
The day is an official national public holiday. You can expect more parades, along with plenty of singing and dancing.
4. Traditional Belizean food
Of course, it’s not a celebration without great food, and Belizeans go all out for their Independence Day feasts. You can expect all kinds of traditional foods, including stews, johnny cakes, fry jacks, variations on beans and rice, and tamales. Belizeans also love barbecue, so expect plenty of grilled meats to mark the occasion.
5. Family and friends
While the Belize Independence Day is mainly about patriotism, it’s also as much about spending time with friends, family, and chosen family. Families come together to eat traditional food, share stories, enjoy fireworks shows, and otherwise enjoy the immediate sense of community.
Belizean Independence Day celebrations in the U.S.
If you’re away from home, you can still celebrate Belize Independence Day wherever you are. Some simple ways to celebrate Belizean Independence Day in the U.S.:
- Call or Zoom your Belizean friends and family members. Wish them a “Happy Independence Day,” and tell them you care.
- Along with phone or video calls, consider sending money, gifts, or care packages to family members as a show of gratitude and celebration.
- Cook up some of your favorite Belizean dishes and invite your friends to enjoy the food. Along with spreading good cheer and eating great food, this is an opportunity to teach others about the holiday and Belize’s history.
- Many cities throughout the country have Belizean communities and populations. Look into your local events for Belizean Independence Day celebrations.
5 Fun Facts About Independence Day in Belize
You know the general celebration and traditions behind Belize Independence Day, but it doesn’t hurt to know more about Belize and the holiday.
1. Every year comes with its own motto or theme.
Every Belizean Independence Day comes with its own unique theme or motto that underscores the celebrations. The theme is chosen via a contest with entries from Belizean citizens. This year’s theme in 2023 is “Hope Ignited, Hands United, Vision Renewed: Belize@42!”. It imbues a sense of unity and hope while acknowledging many of the social and economic issues that the country faces.
2. Belize was the last British colony in the Americas.
It’s interesting to note that Belize was the last British colony on the American mainland. However, Belize is still the only Central American country that is part of the British Commonwealth.
3. Red, white, and blue are the main colors.
Aside from people wearing elaborate traditional costumes, most Belizeans celebrating the holiday will wear variations of red, white, and blue. Much like other nations, these colors represent the colors of the Belizean flag, depicting red stripes, a blue field, and the country’s coat of arms in white at the center of the flag.
4. And you’ll see the Belizean flag everywhere.
Expect to see the Belizean flag flying throughout the country along with all the red, white, and blue. The coat of arms at the center of the flag was established in 1907 and represents the country’s important roots in the logging industry. This includes the national motto “Sub Umbra Floreo,” which translates to “Under the shade I flourish.”
5. You’ll hear a lot of Soca music.
Soca is a genre of music that draws from African and East Indian rhythms. While the style originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the early 1970s, it has since spread to Belize, becoming an important part of the country’s modern culture, along with reggae and dancehall.
Traveling to and from Belize around Independence Day may not be possible, but you can still show your love and appreciation for family members. Remitly can lend a helping hand with easy, convenient money transfers. Our platform uses multiple layers of security for safe transfers, and our dedication to transparency ensures you know about any fees and transfer dates before you hit send. That leaves you more time to celebrate Belizean Independence Day and less time worrying about money.