Celebrate Independence Day in Belize

August 8, 2023
by Belize Hub +

September in Belize

After several centuries as a British colony, Belize gained its independence from Great Britain on September 21, 1981. Today, the national holiday is the occasion for two weeks of partying, parades, and street exhibitions leading up to September 21 when every town comes alive with people waving the red, white, and blue (the colors of the Belizean flag).

Independence Day 2023 will be a special time in Belize as the country celebrates its 42nd anniversary of gaining full sovereignty. The occasion will be marked with a number of amazing celebrations, parties, and activities. Every year, Belize celebrates the September celebrations with a unique theme. This year’s official theme is “𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗱: 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲@𝟰𝟮!”

To make the most of your time in Belize in September, be sure not to miss:

The Battle of St. George’s Caye Day

The issue of whether Spain or Britain would end up controlling Belize was decided in a colossal, week-long naval battle in 1798 off the coast of St. George’s Caye. The British emerged triumphant on September 10, now a national holiday in Belize celebrated by the playing of patriotic music and people dressed in the national colors.

Marches and Parades

This year, the September celebrations will begin the last week of August and will continue right up to Independence Day on September 21. Every town and village across the country will hold parades featuring marchers, bands, and floats. Be on the lookout for a sea of red, white, and blue as Belizeans of all ages celebrate the season with patriotic pride.

Musical Concerts

The month of September is also when you can find live music concerts throughout the country. Some as small affairs held in local villages featuring indigenous music while others are big events that draw top-name acts and thousands of fans.

The Expo

Yet another way to celebrate national pride, the Expo is a two-day marketplace showcasing all of the best products made in Belize. More than 17,000 people will flock to the halls of the Expo to buy locally-produced goods, dance, and sample all of the different forms of Belizean cuisine that make this cultural melting pot such a unique treat for food lovers.

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Carnival

This riotous display of color, street dancing, and marching is yet another way for Belizeans to celebrate their culture and nation. Don’t miss all the wonderful live music, dancing until dawn, and fun games and activities that surround this popular event.

With so many parades, concerts, and festivals, it’s no wonder that September is one of the most popular months to visit Belize.

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