The annual September Celebrations in Belize are a lively, festive and colorful event, but thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020’s celebration was muted. The 222nd anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye and the 39th Independence Day celebration saw no jump-up parades, no mass gatherings, and any official ceremonies were broadcast for Belizeans to watch from their homes. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) hosted an Independence Day drive-by on Monday, September 21st, bringing music and the spirit of patriotism to the town’s various subdivisions, where islanders came out to wave their flag and enjoy the activity from a distance.
The drive-by included one truck carrying DJs Debbie and Gene Lopez, plus two additional crew members. The truck was followed by a small number of golf carts in a mini-parade led by the San Pedro Traffic Department.
With patriotic, Belizean and Caribbean music, the activity started at 11AM visiting subdivisions across the island such as San Mateo, Boca del Rio, San Pedrito, San Juan, DFC and San Pablo. The drive-by parade ended downtown, where the truck circled twice before concluding the drive-by.
The night before, the SPTC premiered the pre-recorded official Independence Eve ceremony via their Facebook page. This event, which usually takes place at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex was done at the Ambergris Stadium. Click HERE to watch.
If the COVID-19 situation significantly improves in 2021, the September Celebrations are expected to be carried out in the usual manner.
Happy birthday Belize and Happy Independence to all Belizeans!
