On Thursday, September 10th, San Pedro Town joined communities across the country in celebrating the 228th anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye. The patriotic occasion commemorated the historic battle, which took place from September 3 to 10, 1798, and is considered a defining moment in Belize’s history.
The annual festivities began the evening before with the traditional fire engine parade. Shortly after 7PM, the parade traveled through downtown San Pedro and the island’s subdivisions, led by the San Pedro Fire Service, Traffic Department, and local Police Formation. The fire trucks sounded their sirens in commemoration of the historic battle, during which the Baymen, enslaved Africans, and British forces defended the settlement against a larger Spanish fleet seeking to claim the territory.
A lively block party at the Honorable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex followed the fire engine parade. The event featured local vendors and musical entertainment from several DJs.
The following morning, a uniform parade departed from the Honorable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex and continued through the main streets of downtown San Pedro. Students, teachers, parents, members of the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), newly crowned Miss San Pedro Elizabeth Grace Sánchez, and residents joined the patriotic procession.
Many participants decorated their golf carts with Belizean flags, while others proudly waved the national colors along the parade route. Marching bands added to the festivities with patriotic music and energetic drumming.
The celebration concluded at Central Park, where the SPTC provided refreshments. The next major national celebration will take place on September 21st, when Belize marks its 45th anniversary of Independence under the theme, “Look At Me: I Am Belize @ 45.”