September Celebrations Kicks Off With Official Events

September is a month filled with festivities as we celebrate Belize's history, culture, and sovereignty. Our country, yet small and independent with approximately 300,000 people, gather together as proud Belizeans to celebrate the 211th Anniversary of the Battle of St. George's Caye and the 28th Anniversary of Belize's Independence.

The national official calendar commenced on September 1st, 2009 with the Official Opening of the September Celebrations taking place on historic St. George's Caye. The ceremony of the 211th Anniversary of the Battle of St. George's Caye is scheduled to be held on September 10th, 2009 and the Official Flag Raising Ceremony is scheduled to be held on September 20th at the Memorial Park in Belize City. The Official Independence Day Ceremony will take place in the capital city of Belmopan, while uniform parades will be held in Belize City and other municipalities

The Committee launched a competition to select this year's theme for the celebrations. The theme for this year's September Celebrations is: "Diverse Origins, Common Aspirations…Together we Celebrate as Belizeans" which was submitted by Mrs. Zelda Wade Hill of Belmopan City, Belize. The Committee also coordinated the Patriotic Song Competition and the Carnival Song Competition. The winners of the Patriotic Song Competition were Bea Armstrong, Alexander Evans, and Herchel Armstrong of Belize City with their song entitled, "Belize- We are Free." The winner of the Carnival Song Competition was awarded to Mervin Budram of Belmopan City with this song entitled, "Jump 4 Belize."

The Belize Tourism Board serves as the Secretariat for this year's celebrations. The website, www.septembercelebrations.com is the official website to keep the general public informed on activities for the September Celebrations.