As an independent country and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations (a group of countries that includes many former British colonies), Belize celebrates its independence from Britain in a number of ways, including through festivals, food and music. Each September, Belize's Independence Day and Carnival (a festival celebrating the country's different cultures) combine into a monthlong celebration across the nation. For an entire month, the country hosts concerts, parties and parades. These are referred to by Belizeans as "September Celebrations"!
I learned about Independence Day and Carnival celebrations in Belize by attending events with my host family and friends.
For Independence Day, my community hosts a large parade in town where different schools and businesses represent their villages, dance and hand out gifts to bystanders. High school bands perform music, parade participants dress in sparkly costumes, and spectators wear red, white and blue and wave their Belizean flags proudly.
Earlier in the month, more celebrations occur as the festival of Carnival takes place, celebrating the different cultures of Belize through dances, music and other traditions.
