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Belize: Facts & Stats

Demographics | Economy | Transportation | CULTURE

CULTURE

Traditions:

The Belizean culture is made up of people from Kriol, Maya, Garinagu (also known as Garifuna), Mestizo (a mixture of Spanish and Indian), Mennonites who are of German descent, with a blend of many other cultures from Chinese to Lebanese. It is a unique blend that emerged through the country's long and occasionally violent history.

Belizeans are informal and friendly in greeting one another; it is considered rude not to greet even a slight acquaintance, the clerk or receptionist when entering a place of business. It is, however, considered impolite to greet by first names, (gial, and bwai are common and acceptable) unless one has already established a relationship of some depth (you have had one or more conversations together). A simple nod of the head or shouting is acceptable when passing someone on the street, and acquaintances might also be greeted with any number of introductory phrases as covered here:
  • Maanin! (“Good morning!”)
  • Weh di go aan? ("What is going on?")
  • Ay Chiney! (“Hello Chinese Person”)
  • Hey Bali! ("Hi Buddy!")

Celebrations:

In March, a harbor regatta is held in Belize City to celebrate Baron Bliss Day, in honor of one of Belize's greatest benefactors, Sir Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss. This day is also celebrated with kite competitions and horse races. The La Ruta Maya River Challenge also takes place this time of year, with a challenging four-day canoe race starting in San Ignacio and ending in Belize City.

During Easter Week, religious services are held countrywide. Because of the extended holidays, many locals travel from the city to countrywide destinations, such as the cayes or inland. The biggest cross-country bicycle race, which includes international participation, takes place on this weekend.

To celebrate the opening of the lobster season, both Placencia and Caye Caulker host Lobster Fest, usually the end of June, beginning of July. Other festivals around this time of year include the Cashew Festival in Crooked Tree, the National Agricultural & Trade Show in Belmopan, and the Benque Viejo del Carmen Fiesta.

The Costa Maya Festival is an annual five-day celebration held in August in San Pedro Ambergris Caye, featuring entertainment and participation from the five Mundo Maya countries (Belize, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras). Activities include the popular La Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant, parades, music, lots of food, dancing and more.

In September, for nearly the entire month, the whole country celebrates with festivities nationwide. September 21 is Independence Day, and social activities abound during this time of year. Carnival in Belize is also held during the September Celebrations, and features street parades with colorful floats, bands and creative costumes.

Garifuna Settlement Day is celebrated every year on November 19. Garifuna communities countrywide lead the celebrations during this national holiday in honor of the arrival of the Garinagu to Belize in 1832. Live punta music, re-enactments, cultural food, drinks and crafts are all a part in this special celebration.

In December, the country celebrates the Christmas season, when family and friends come together for huge feasts of turkeys, hams, fruit cakes and gift-giving. This holiday season is celebrated with parties, horse races, sporting activities and cultural dances.

Alcohol:

The Belize Brewing Company's Belikin beer is the national beer of Belize. It comes in several varieties, including Belikin Lager, Belikin Premium, and Belikin Stout. The recipes and original brew masters all came from Germany.

As you'll find throughout the Caribbean, rum is the liquor of choice in Belize. There are several brands and distilleries producing rum in Belize. Probably the finest Belizean rum is the 5-year-aged Prestige. One of the most popular brands you'll come across is 1 Barrel, which has a hint of vanilla, and is slightly sweet for my taste.

Several different fruit wines are produced in Belize using native fruits, including pineapple and even banana. These wines are very sweet and are more a novelty than anything else. In remote parts of the country, you'll find homemade fruit wines that are a bit like hard cider.

The legal drinking age in Belize is 18 years old, although it is often not enforced. Beer, wine, and liquor are all sold in most supermarkets and small convenience stores from Monday through Saturday. No liquor is sold on Good Friday or Easter Sunday. On Election Day, no liquor can be sold until 6pm.

Sports and Hobbies:

The most popular sports are soccer and basketball, and there is enthusiastic support for league teams formed since the early 1990s. Other sports enjoyed in Belize include volleyball, track and field, jai-alai, boxing, cycling, and softball, which all have established associations. Catching on in recent years are triathlon, canoeing, chess, darts, billiards, martial arts and even ice hockey (in the Western Cayo District among the Mennonite population).

An international cross-country cycling race is held every Easter weekend. Belize has the world’s second largest barrier reef and hundreds of small islands, called cayes, that are popular recreation areas for urban people, particularly during school vacations and Easter.




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