San Pedro, Belize’s 2023 Independence Day Parade Brings ALL the Energy

September 21st is Independence Day in Belize and yesterday this amazing country turned 42 years old. Each year, San Pedro ends its slew of September Celebration events with the Carnival Parade on the 21st.

Everyone dresses up in their finest red white and blue and prepares for the march.

You can be absolutely sure of three things on September 21st on Ambergris Caye: the parade will start about 2 hours late, it will be scorching hot and humid, and your heart will just about BURST with the joy and love of Belize that is on display.

And…you might get doused in beer and water and who knows what…it’ll be a cooling relief!

It is one of my favorite days of the year. I wish I could properly convey the pride and the joy, the LOUD music and the energy, the HEAT and excitement but you need to visit for that. Instead, I’ll try to do the next best thing and show you some of my photos.

I LOVED my location. Middle Street San Pedro is narrow – and it compressed the parade a bit…and made it seem extra energized. A Belize “Canyon of Heros”.

Here comes the parade!!!!

The official start time: 1pm

Time of this photo: 3:38pm

I was also right near the overhanging lights and wires from a local restaurant. A few of the bigger floats ran right into them…and then had to pick their way through!

Kevin from Island’s Jungle Bar and my former co-worker had an amazing float. What an incredible amount of work…and the costumes are fantastic.

Phew! Long and hot and sweaty and amazing…

If you love Belize, you’ve GOT to come down one year for the independence activities. SO GREAT!

And now…I’m going to take a nap. I wasn’t even IN the parade and I am exhausted.

I love you San Pedro!