How Belize Is Celebrating September in 2017: Independence And More

September is a month of celebration in Belize, where the entire country is colorful with red, white, and blue! This small nation comes alive with an abundance of cultural and patriotic events celebrated throughout the month. Red, white and blue flags wave at you from car windows, while patriotic music blared from their radios. Flyers jump at you from lamp posts and the sides of buildings inviting you to a variety of pageants, concerts, and cultural events. Here is a glance at the events and celebrations ahead for September 2017 as Belize celebrates 36 years of Independence.

An entire month is dedicated to the celebration of the country, its history, culture, and most importantly, its Independence. This is mainly due to the fact that Belizeans have way too much national pride for the celebrations to be contained in a mere 24 hours. In 2017, Belize celebrates its 36th Independence Day under the theme “Belize: Confronting Challenges! Celebrating Triumphs! Renewing our Resolve!”

IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE!

Be sure to look out for the following events:

SIR BARRY’S BELIKIN BASH ( AUG 31- SEPT 2)

B.T.L Park – 6:00PM-12:00AM

Belikin Beer, the beer of Belize, has been brewed, bottled, and distributed in Belize since 1971, and since then has become one of the most popular beers in Belize.

The Sir Barry’s Belikin Bash, formerly known as Belikin Fest, is a popular, much-anticipated 3-day free concert hosted yearly by Bowen and Bowen. This concert features the best Belizean artists, local musicians, and live bands.

CARNIVAL KING AND QUEEN (SEPT. 2)

Marion Jones Sporting Complex – 5:00 PM

September has become synonymous with celebration, and there is no bigger nor more highly anticipated celebration like Carnival. To kick start the carnival, senior and junior revelers come out in full force to compete for the coveted title of Carnival King and Queen. But that is not the last you will see of the vibrant costumes and synchronized energy. The groups will come out once more to “jump up” in the carnival road march on September 9th.

J’OUVERT AND CARNIVAL ROAD MARCH (SEPT. 9)

BELIZE CITY

Carnival – Photo Courtesy Andrew Usher – Maya Island Air

These are two events you should be sure to mark on your calendar. J’ouvert is an early dawn street parade/pre-carnival event where individuals paint themselves with colored mud and chocolate and dance through the streets to the tunes of Calypso, Soca, and Reggae Music.

Not to be missed – The Carnival Road March follows later in the afternoon

Enjoy the exuberant celebration with live music, vibrant floats, and detailed costumes shimmering in the bright sun, as partygoer’s and revelers parade, dance and “jump up” through the streets of Belize City.

BATTLE OF ST. GEORGE’S CAYE DAY – PUBLIC HOLIDAY(SEPT. 10)

September 10th is of significant importance to Belize’s history, as this is when Belize celebrates its victory over Spain. Recognized as a public holiday, it typically marks the beginning of the September celebrations with an opening ceremony, the crowning of the Queen of the Bay, and a citizen’s parade through the city streets.

PAN YAAD STEEL BANDS CONCERT (SEPT. 16)

Marion Jones Sporting Complex – 5:00 PM

If you haven’t seen the full range of the steel pan groups in Belize, then you must attend the Pan Yaad concert. Energetic steel band players pour their hearts into their music, electrifying the crowd with their skillful notes and contagious energy. This is a must-attend in September.

BCCI EXPO (SEPT. 16-17)

ITVET GROUNDS 8:00AM-6:00PM

The EXPO Belize Market Place is now in its 21st year and the ITVET Grounds on Freetown Road in Belize City is the place to be on September 16th and 17th.

This event attracts 15,000+ visitors, as businesses countrywide come together to showcase their products and services.

BELIZE SOCA & JAZZ FESTIVAL (SEPT.20)

HOUR BAR FIELD

This all-night concert kicks off on September 20th, leading into the reason for the season – Independence Day on September 21st. The festival collaborates with local and regional cultural icons and musicians and is in its 4th year.

INDEPENDENCE DAY CEREMONY (SEPT. 21)

September 21st is honored and celebrated every year in commemoration of the day in 1981 when the nation was granted independent status by Great Britain. Belize turns 36 this year!