September Celebrations

September is Belize’s most patriotic month, when Belizeans celebrate their culture, heritage, and national pride. As the festivities approach, the National Celebrations Commission (NCC) has issued $15,000 grants to all nine municipal councils, including San Pedro’s, to support their events. This year’s celebrations are being held under the theme “Belize@44 – Stronger Together, Rising Forever,” featuring a month-long calendar of activities culminating on Independence Day, September 21st.

Cabinet, at its meeting on August 26th, supported a proposal for the Social Security Board to gain direct access to the Central Bank’s payment system to reduce high bank charges. It also noted the U.S. decision to suspend duty-free exemptions for low-value shipments, leading the Belize Postal Service to suspend certain packages to the U.S. effective August 27th. Updates were provided on Belize’s role in the ICJ climate change opinion, progress on the Green Belize reforestation project, rural electrification plans, and the launch of September Celebrations under the theme “Belize @44: Stronger Together, Rising Forever.

Students from six primary schools joined San Pedro High School (SPHS) on Friday, September 20th, to celebrate the annual Children’s Rally at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. The Children’s Rally is held countrywide as part of the September Celebrations to promote patriotism among Belizean children. This year's theme was “A Nation Proud and Free: Belize at 43.” The event included motivational speeches, patriotic poems and dramas, and a special performance by Chelsy Castro, the national KTV (Karaoke) Singing Competition winner.

In Belize, the month of September is a time of vibrant celebration honoring two important events in the nation's history. This year's theme, "A Nation Proud and Free: Belize @ 43," commemorates the 226th anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye Day and the 43rd anniversary of Belize’s Independence. The Battle of St. George’s Caye Day is celebrated on September 10th and honors the efforts of the Baymen and slaves who repelled a Spanish invasion.

In September, Belizeans celebrate their nation's history with patriotic events. This month commemorates the Battle of St. George's Caye and Belize's Independence Day. This year's theme for the September Celebrations is "Valiant and Bold, Proud and Free! Belize @ 43," reflecting the nation's spirit of unity, courage, and freedom. The festivities started with flag-raising ceremonies across the county for National Flag Day. On Sunday, September 1st, at 6AM, community members, local authorities, and proud Belizeans gathered at Central Park for the ceremonial event opening the September Celebrations. As the first rays of sunlight lit up the park, voices sang the national anthem as the Belizean flag rose into the sky.

During the 79th Queen of the Bay Pageant for 2024-2025, Deann Laing, aged twenty-two and representing the Rural Belize District, emerged as the winner from a diverse group of eleven contestants. The prestigious pageant, held on Saturday, August 24th, at the Belize Civic Center, was a true representation of the nation, with participants from around the country. The Caye’s were well represented, with Caye Caulker candidate Lupita Aldana securing the second position. Representing Ambergris Caye was Nai Figueroa, who gracefully represented San Pedro in the pageant.

September is the month of Belize's patriotic celebrations and one of the best times of the year to experience the local culture and traditions. As the anticipated time of the year is fast approaching, on Wednesday, June 5th, 'A Nation Proud and Free: Belize @ 43' was revealed as the official theme for this year's September Celebrations.

When celebrating Belize’s national holidays, Belizeans know how to make every year’s celebrations unique, colorful, energetic, and patriotic. Belize’s Independence Day on September 21st is the culmination of patriotic celebrations with a national party highlighting all things Belizean. San Pedro Town held another memorable celebration with a massive and fun parade involving students, citizens, carnival dancers, live performances, and visiting international DJ Osocity.