Mestizo kids in traditional wear practice before taking the main stage at the Corozal House Of Culture on Columbus Day. Image Copyright Manolo Romero & Belize.com Ltd.
Columbus Day, better known as Dia De La Raza and Pan American Day is celebrated in Belize on 12 October – usually not on the precise date if it falls near a weekend. The government usually grants a long weekend if the day falls on a Friday, by making the next Monday a public and bank holiday.
Music group at Corozal Town festival for Columbus Day. Image Copyright Manolo Romero & Belize.com Ltd.
Celebrations to make this festive day are concentrated in the North of Belize which has a large Latino and Mestizo population. Nightclubs and music promoters exploit the day by holding special dances and events, usually featuring imported pop music groups and celebrities. Government helps by promoting cultural events in the municipalities of Corozal and Orange Walk towns. And many Belizeans take advantage of the long weekend to flee to neighboring Chetumal City or Cancun in Mexico where Colombus Day is really celebrated in a big way.
Columbus Day, Dia De La Raza, Dia De Las Americas, Pan American Day – whatever your choice – it is a fun time in these areas of the country. Even sailing is making a revival as Corozal holds its annual Corozal Bay Regatta on this day in conjunction with the Belize Sailing Association. The Regatta start and end points are marked at Miami Beach on the south end, and by the municipal pier near the House Of Culture on the north end. An all-day food, art and music festival held at the adjacent park provide some much-needed activity in this otherwise sleepy town.