By Charles Gladden
BELIZE CITY, Wed. Aug. 6, 2025
September, the month in which Belize got its independence 44 years ago, is fast approaching, and the nation is gearing up for a month of national celebrations. The National Celebrations Committee (NCC) has been working behind the scenes to put together an exciting lineup of events for this year’s September celebrations, and the much-awaited calendar of activities has finally been released.
The month-long festivities, which will be taking place under the theme, “Belize@44: Stronger Together, Rising Forever”, will commence on September 1 with a Flag Raising Ceremony.
Next to take place will be the Creative and Cultural Awards to honor outstanding Belizeans. Music enthusiasts can also look forward to Francis Reneau’s 2-day concert series, which promises to captivate audiences with a diverse lineup of performances.
The annual Carnival J’ouvert, which will start at the Belcan Bridge at 4:00 a.m. on September 6 and continue through the streets of Belize City, will be followed by the Carnival Road March at 2:00 p.m. that same day.
On the next day, September the 7th, the 6th annual Martin’s Community Festival will be held in the Lake Independence area, and the 16th Annual Evening of Patriotic Songs and Poems will be enjoyed on the following day, September 8. These events will set the stage for the Fire Engine Parade on the 9th, and on the 10th, the nation will commemorate the 227th Anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye with a solemn ceremony and a spirited parade.
A few days later, sports enthusiasts can cheer on cyclists participating in the BTB September Criterion Cycling Classic on the 14th, then there will be the Tribute to Belizean Patriots on the 17th, and the National Service Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony on the 19th.
Those activities will lead up to the pre-Independence Day celebrations that will include the 11th Annual Soca and Culture Festival on the 20th, followed by the Official Ceremony for the 44th Anniversary of Belize’s Independence on September 21st.
The celebrations will extend beyond Belize City, as other districts are also preparing for a range of exciting events. In Belmopan, the capital city, members of the community can look forward to the Christian Block Party on the 12th, followed by the National Service Day on the 19th, and the Taking Back the Land Parade on the 20th.
Santa Elena and San Ignacio will also host a series of festivities, including a cycling race on the 2nd, Senior Citizens’ Day on the 5th, a Children’s and Adults’ Talent Show on the 12th, a Christian Explosion on the 14th, and Cayo J’ouvert on September 16th.
In Orange Walk, residents and visitors can participate in a 10K Run on the 10th, and Masters of the Road on the following day, the 11th. A Youth Concert will be held on the 12th, and a Rock Concert/Food Truck Festival on the 13th, concluding with the Día de la Biblia Parade on September 28th.
San Pedro will host the Belize Investment Summit 2025 from September 3rd to the 5th, followed by a School Talent Show Street Fest on the 9th,and the Centro America Independence Event on the 13th.
Corozal residents will also have their share of fun. The Miss Independence Designate Presentation and Dance will take place on the 5th, followed by the Carnival King & Queen Competitions and Beach Bash the next day, the 6th. Next will be Wete Fete on the 12th, MalMal Carnival Edition Artisan Market on the 13th, the Mayor Rigo Vellos/Mayor Ladrick Sheppard First Annual Cycling Classic on the 22nd, and SoulFire Revival Gospel Concert on September 27, to conclude their month of festivities.
On the 21st of September, Belizeans from all corners of the country will assemble for an Independence Day Ceremony. Following the ceremony, the entire nation will come alive with parades.
