How will Belizeans celebrate September’s festivities?

By Aaron Humes:  The September Celebrations will look a lot closer from the other side of June 1, and after a year that has given little to cheer about thus far, the 39th anniversary of Independence and 222nd anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye are ample opportunity.

But as with most things, the shadow of the grim reaper known as COVID-19 hangs.

Can September really be canceled like Easter? In the best of all scenarios, we would be three months past the current State of Emergency, accepting foreign internationals (rapid tested, of course) at the Philip Goldson International Airport and the borders and cruise ships like Carnival which would have re-started visits to Belize the previous month.

Of course, none of the prelude celebrations, like the Lobster Fests and Costa Maya, will have taken place, and others like the National Agriculture and Trade Show, will have been postponed beyond September.

But let’s look at what makes September in Belize; it is parades, carnival, Expo. September is party, party, party. On nearly every street corner there is a party somewhere in that month and the biggest are in Belize City on the 10th and Belmopan on the 21st.

Come to think of it, nearly all of the major events for September are outdoors and/or involve mass gatherings. We’ve already mentioned Carnival, 10th parade, 21st parade, expo, flag raising, etc. We can add sporting events (cycling, triathlon); church services (the National Day of Prayer) and National Service Day in honor of George Price.

And how about the concerts? Perhaps no Byron Lee or Machel Montano, but there’s always Supa G, Ernestine Carballo, Sweet Pain and X Band, the old guard like Lord Rhaburn and Chico Ramos and countless more.

But the big issue is health and safety in the age of COVID-19. Masks all around? May be smaller bands with people spaced out 6 feet apart and with masks?

Instead of outdoor gatherings, perhaps virtual speeches by dignitaries including the Prime Minister in his last go-round before general elections?

And don’t forget economics. With the economy badly battered, will businesses have enough to patronize September Celebrations events like the Expo, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, or Belikin Fest, or Carnival sponsors, etc.? Will enough Belizeans come out to patronize events, even at reduced prices?

Some may say it’s too early to even be thinking about September. But it’s closer than you think, and one of the lifebloods of the economy in a way few can imagine.

We await a response from the official September Celebrations Commission and National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) on their plans, if any.

Just how do you think September festivities this year will be celebrated?

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