Belize Carnival
Many countries in the Caribbean and Latin America have some sort of Carnival. Belize is no exception. I was curious about this custom, and did a bit of research. First, i was shocked to find there is actually a website, www.belizecarnival.com. The website says Carnival is in September, but that’s a different one i guess. According to the site, the tradition of Carnival in Belize was started by 5 women in Belize City for September Celebrations. Since that time it has grown to a huge nationwide extravaganza with an astonishing display of creativity and talent.
In San Pedro, it’s a weekend long event preceding Fat Tuesday, starting with the walking of a statue of the Virgin Mary through the town, called the Procession, which culminates at the Catholic Church and a service.
Each day brings events, but the most dreaded, feared, and i must say, enjoyed, is the Painting. For some reason (it wasnt listed on the website I used for research) San Pedro has started a tradition of painting..everything and everyone. It is absolutely commuter/walker/dog/cat/person/bird beware, for the roaming band of kids with their latex paint in water bottles WILL get you.
My Green Roommate and I surrounded by merry making Carnival Island Friends
In 7 years i have managed to avoid Town for Carnival. I desperately want to see the amazing costumes and dancing, but there is no way i can get latex paint out of my hair…so i never go. Last night, however, i found myself in town and had completely forgotten it was “painting day”. I wandered down the beach and found myself at Cholos (love that place). Everything is covered in plastic, and men with paint all over them were everywhere. Thank GOODNESS they knew me, and protected me from getting completely painted. In return for their chivalry, i let them paint my face 🙂 Fair enough 🙂