September calls for celebrations all month long.  Indeed, it is a celebration to look forward to from the selection of the National Patriotic Song, Independence Day Parade, and all the events leading to the Gran Carnival, the hype is on. As a matter of fact, the patriotic colors: red, white, and blue and the Belizean flag fill the streets.  It is clearly the celebration of our Independence!

The history of the start of the celebration extends back since the 1970’s.  Particularly the hope and outlook of a better society  struggled to gain its Independence. Once, a small British Colony, named British Honduras, this diverse community under the leadership of Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price gained its independence on September 21, 1981.

Here are a few history facts you want to remember when thinking of this Multicultural Country and how it became what it is today…

• 1862 Belize is a British colony
• 1859 Belize and neighboring Guatemala has been in a territorial dispute
• 1950 The founding of the first political party, People United Party, and the road to the struggle towards Independence be
• 1973  The name British Honduras officially changed to Beliz
• 1981 The first Prime Minister of Belize, known today as the “Father of the Nation”, Right Honourable George Cadle Price, of People United Party, governs Belize
• 1981 Belize joins Commonwealth, United Nations and Non- Aligned Movement. The country’s Independence recognized internationally.
• 1984 Change of Government from the People United Party to the United Democratic Party.

Visit the Institute for Social and Cultural Research to learn more on the history of the September Celebration.

Today, Belize’s independence continues to be celebrated despite its struggles. On this September 21, 2016, we celebrate 35 years of Independence under the theme,

“Sovereign and Strong – Together as one!”