This weekend past, we had two parades back to back – and the best is yet to come! In my previous post I mentioned that September is the most anticipated month of the year and it all started on Friday evening.
Every year, our volunteer firefighters have their annual barbecue and a parade afterwards. A crowd of us gathered at Strange Brew and cheered them on as they made their way through the village.
Sometime during the evening, William, the Plastic Man, and his wife joined us and I asked him to make me a bracelet sometime over the next few days. William makes all kinds of things out of plastic.
He sat down next to me and started making it there and then.
I love it!
The next day at about 10:00 am, the same crowd were back to celebrate The Battle of St. George’s Caye (pronounced key) Day.
It was almost like we’d never left! This time, we adorned ourselves with temporary tattoos
and took our places on our bar stools
Our lovely bartender, Shadeen, was in attendance. Rum and Coke was on special for $3.00 Bzd each! How could I resist!
The bar was decorated with beads and there was a singer playing the blues in the background
We were ready WELL ahead of time because, as you may have heard, things in Belize very rarely start on time. We didn’t mind at all as it gave us a chance to chat to our neighbours and tourists alike, and imbibe in the rum and coke, as if we needed an excuse!
First up, two Policemen in motorbikes leading the way and making sure the road was clear. We could hear the sirens, honking horns and music way before we could see them.
At last the rest of the parade came into view.
Our beautiful newly-crowned Queen of the Bay and her entourage doing their best Queen’s wave
Followed by brightly decorated trucks and cars
and people following behind them waving their Belizean flags and dancing to the music
The parade meandered through the village and then turned around and came back.
Down by the Pointe, more festivities. Food and music
and games
A very good day was had by all. After a morning of drinking, I went home for an afternoon nap!
On the 21st, a spectacular carnival with the celebration of Belize’s indepedence.
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