Arts & Culture

History serves as an opportunity to travel back in time and explore past events about a settlement, a region, or a country. Belizean history is rich and diverse, highlighting different past events across the country. However, there are many questions about specific chapters of the Belizean society. Have you ever wondered how San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye transformed from a quaint fishing village to the prime tourism destination it is today? The answer to clear such curiosity is by visiting the recently opened San Pedro Tourism Information Center on Angel Coral Street across from the Saca Chispas field, where you can find the book ‘San Pedro History of Tourism.’ This unique and well-documented history of the island was penned by well-known islander Guillermo ‘Mito’ Paz, and it can be yours for just BZ$30.

Easter is considered the holiest time of the year. In San Pedro Town, the Roman Catholic Church takes pride in celebrating the occasion honoring the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This year, besides their scheduled church activities, one of the main events held on Good Friday, April 15th, saw the first-ever reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the island with an evening procession through downtown, which later ended at central park.

World Monuments Fund (WMF) announced that the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve and its wider Cultural Landscape has been named to the 2022 World Monuments Watch, a selection of 25 heritage sites of worldwide significance whose preservation is urgent and vital to the communities surrounding them. These sites powerfully demonstrate pressing global challenges of climate change, imbalanced tourism, underrepresentation, and recovery from crisis, underscoring the need for greater action to support heritage places and the people who care for them.

The traditional island celebration, 'El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro,' did not include big parties, street dances (comparsas), and painting because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of these usual activities lasting three days every year in February, the carnival spearheaded by The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) turned into a market day on Saturday, February 26th, with live performances, including a round of comparsas dances. 

On April 1, 2022, Belizean archaeologist Dr. Jaime Awe will receive the Society for American Archaeology 2022 Award for Excellence in Latin America and Caribbean Archaeology. The award recognizes and honors professional achievements at all career levels, including students and early career archaeologists, to those who have made lasting contributions to the Society for American Archaeology.

Houston artists Donkeeboy and Donkeemom left their mark on Seagrape Drive, San Pedro, with stunning murals featuring Selena and Tupac. The artists were hosted by Mukul and Kelly Kanabar.

For a second time, the traditional celebrations leading to the Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19th will be held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The National Garifuna Council (NGC) has released its virtual calendar of activities focusing on Garifuna identity, spirituality, and perseverance. NGC branches countrywide will be planning and hosting various virtual activities honoring the contributions of past and present Garinagu in Belize.

Belizeans interested in the editing field of the filming industry will now have the opportunity to work on projects with international companies associated with the Belize Film Commission. On Tuesday, October 12th, Belize’s Film Commissioner, Nigel P. Miguel announced the partnership with Face Time Studios from Dallas, Texas USA that will see the training and hiring of Belizean editors.