World Martini Day is still three months away (heads up: it’s on June 17th) but we’ve got another reason for you to imbibe James Bond’s favorite drink. March 9th is National Heroes & Benefactors Day in Belize, and, surprisingly, one of the most fitting ways to celebrate might just be with a cold and crisp martini. Wondering why? Keep reading to find out. Then, when you’re done, reward yourself with a cool refresher using our classic martini recipe.
National Heroes & Benefactors Day in Belize
The unmistakeable Baron Bliss Lighthouse in Belize City. Image courtesy Azain Medina/Vista Real Estate
The story goes that one Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss, a sailor and world traveler, visited Belize and fell so in love with her beauty that he willed most of his fortune to the country (1 million pounds sterling at the time or 1.8 million Belize dollars). He also left some money in a trust whose interest was to be used for the development of the country.
Bliss’ generous contribution would go on to fund several projects. That includes the Bliss Centre for Performing Arts and the construction of Belmopan City. This would lead to him being known as one of Belize’s greatest benefactors.
Bliss died on March 9th, 1926. He had asked to be buried on Belizean soil: in a granite tomb surrounded by an iron fence. That tomb, and the lighthouse beside it, sits on the coast of Belize City on Fort Street. March 9th became known as Baron Bliss Day, in honor of Bliss’ contribution.
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Belize’s Benefactor Baron Bliss
Remembering Belize’s Heroes on National Heroes & Benefactors Day
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- George Cadle Price was Belize’s first Prime Minister, dubbed the Father of the Nation
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- Cleopatra White was a Belizean nurse and the second matron of the Black Cross Nurses Association
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- Baron Bliss in his wheelchair
In 2008, Baron Bliss Day became known as National Heroes & Benefactors Day. Today, March 9th is a day for honoring and recognizing all those that have contributed, in some way, to Belize’s growth and development. They include Cleopatra White, a nurse and community leader; Thomas Vincent Ramos, a renowned civil rights activist; and Gwendolyn Lizarraga, Belize’s first female government minister.
Celebrate March 9th with Travellers Liquors’ Baron Gin
In 2014, award-winning Belizean distillery Travellers Liquors Ltd introduced Baron Gin, an ode to Belize’s benefactor. Described as an exquisite gin made from double rectified spirits, it is infused with gin flavors from France. Try out this martini recipe using Baron Gin, and celebrate National Heroes & Benefactors Day the right way.
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Featured Photo by Courtney Cook on Unsplash. For more cocktail recipes or to shop the Traveller’s Liquors collection, visit the Traveller’s website
