by Kristen Ku
BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Aug. 3, 2023
September, the month in which Belize got its independence 42 years ago, is fast approaching, and the nation is gearing up for a month of national celebration. The National Celebrations Committee (NCC) has been working behind the scenes to put together an exciting lineup of events for this year’s September celebrations, and the much-awaited calendar has finally been released.
Annually, Belize City serves as the heart of the September celebrations activities, and this year promises to be no different, with a jam-packed schedule of events.
With the essence of this year’s theme, “Hope ignited, hands united, vision renewed: Belize @42”, on the 1st of September, the festivities will kick off with a Flag Raising Ceremony, signifying the official commencement of the month-long celebrations.
Following that, the [email protected] Awards Ceremony will honor outstanding Belizeans, while the Carnival motorcade will fill the streets with vibrant colors. Music enthusiasts can also look forward to Francis Reneau’s 2-day concert series, which promises to captivate audiences with a diverse lineup of performances.
As the celebrations continue, various other well-known annual events will take place across Belize City, showcasing Belize’s rich cultural heritage and unity. These events include the Carnival Queen and King competitions on the 2nd, the Martin’s Community Festival on the 3rd, the Fire Engine Parade on the 8th, and the lively Carnival J’ouvert on the 9th.
On the 10th, the nation will commemorate St. George’s Caye Day with a solemn ceremony and a spirited parade.
Aspiring artists will have a chance to shine in the spotlight during the National Song Competition on the 15th, while sports enthusiasts can cheer on cyclists participating in the BTB September Criterion Cycling Classic on the 17th. The pre-Independence Day celebrations will culminate with the Annual Soca and Culture Festival on the 20th.
The celebrations extend beyond Belize City, as other districts also prepare for a range of exciting events. In Belmopan, the capital city, attendees can look forward to the Christian Block Party on the 8th, the Taking Back the Land Parade on the 16th, and National Service Day on the 19th.
Santa Elena and San Ignacio will host a series of festivities, including a Cycling Race on the 2nd, Senior Citizen’s Day on the 6th, a Christian Explosion on the 11th, Beer Fest on the 15th, and Cayo J’ouvert on the 16th.
In Orange Walk, residents and visitors can enjoy the Fiesta FM Anniversary on the 2nd, the Children’s Rally & Parade on the 15th, and a Rock Concert & Food Festival on the 16th.
San Pedro will observe the National Day of Prayer on the 3rd, followed by the Reveal of [email protected] Mural on the 16th. Meanwhile, Dangriga will host a Children’s Got Talent Show on the 7th, a Health Fair on the 15th, and a Torch Run on the 20th.
Corozal residents will also have their share of fun, with events like Talent on Overdrive/Beachside Art Festival on the 2nd, the Corozal Celebration Showdown & Fireworks (Battle of the Bands) on the 9th, the Crowning of the Queen of the Bay 2023-2024 on the 10th, Noche de Cultura on the 20th, and a gospel concert on the 23rd.
On the 21st of September, Belizeans from all corners of the country will assemble for an Independence Day Ceremony. Following the ceremony, the entire nation will come alive with parades.