There’s no better time to visit someone than during their birthday party!
September is the biggest month on the Belize social calendar, and for the savvy traveler, it’s one of the best times to visit this exuberant yet laid-back little tropical paradise. Here are five reasons why.
1. September marks the start of the longest holiday season in the hemisphere
From September 5th, the annual Belize City Carnival kicks off the celebrations, followed by St. George’s Caye Day observed on September 10th this year. On this day, the country looks back in time, as told by history, to the first attempt by the Spanish to take St. George’s Caye, which began on September 3rd, 1798. They were unsuccessful; thus, the Spanish fleet launched successive attempts with a fleet of 32 vessels, manned by 500 seamen and two thousand soldiers. The Battle then started on the 3rd and lasted until September 10th.
Belize’s September celebrations culminate on September 21st with the celebration of Independence Day; this year, the country observes its 45th birthday under the theme, “Look at Me: I am Belize@45.”
October brings about a celebration to honor the Resistance of the Indigenous People in Belize; this is on the 12th.
Then there’s Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19th, leading up to Christmas Day and Boxing Day, with Halloween as well as local celebrations and religious observations thrown in for good measure.
We’ve yet to be contradicted for referring to September to January in Belize as the longest running block party in the world. I mean!
2. September celebrates Belizean statehood
Imagine what Fourth of July celebrations in the US were like 45 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. And then imagine that the same young USA enjoyed a tropical climate where bikinis, sunglasses, and boardies replaced tri-cornered hats, powdered wigs, stockings, bustles, and hoop dresses. You get the idea…
We discuss the details of St George’s Caye and Independence days at length in other posts here, and suffice to say that these two holidays commemorate the first steps towards and the happy conclusion of Belize’s long and passionate journey towards statehood.
The enthusiasm is infectious, and if you’re here in September you’re sure to catch the spirit. The annual Carnival grows in size, sophistication, and sheer party potential each year, and we might add that each year it gets bigger and better.
3. September weather is awesome
Although Belize is blessed with one of the most temperate, pleasant year-round temperatures on earth, with a yearly average of 84° F (29°C), September has a lot going for it.
September temperatures in Belize average around 81°F (27°C), with highs of 86°F (30°C) and lows of 77°F (25°C). It’s still the wet season, which isn’t a bad thing, as this nurtures the intense greenery and profusion of bright flowers, fruits and birds, with most of the rainfall occurring in early mornings and at night. The days, for the most part, are sunny with warm temperatures. With November to January the coolest months, and May to September regarded as the warmest, September is a delightful Goldilocks month – not too hot, not too cold…just right.
4. September’s not yet high season for tourism
More and more people are taking advantage of Belize’s many charms as the little country becomes more popular, but you’ll never see the crowds that are endemic to the more established Caribbean destinations. Even so, September is perched just before the tropical vacation season begins in earnest, meaning things are just a bit more laid back.
Popular ancient Maya sites, beaches and other attractions are less populated and this season’s tourism welcome mat is still relatively untrodden. It’s a relaxed time to get to know the locals and take time discovering new parts of this amazingly rich and diverse country.
5. You’re celebrating with Belizeans
What better time to visit someone than during their birthday party? This is a very special time of year, and you’re invited to a party held by some of the most fun-loving people on the planet.
It’s often said that while Belize has stunning scenery, great weather and an incredible variety of things to do, her greatest asset is her people. Belizeans are famous worldwide for their innate friendliness, hospitality, willingness to help, and all-around easy-going nature. Just check out comments on various blogs and sites like TripAdvisor , and you’ll see what we mean.
September’s month-long partying puts everyone in a good mood, and having relatively recently achieved independence unites the entire country in a very positive way. And Belizeans love welcoming people from other countries to their party.
With English as the official language and the currency pegged to the US dollar, which is accepted everywhere, Belize is a very easy place to get to know and get around in, and September is a great month for doing that.
Of course, there are a zillion other perfectly good reasons for coming to Belize in September, and these are just some of the most obvious.
And if you can’t make it to Belize this September, not to worry – for our money, any month in Belize beats any month anywhere else. It’s that kind of a place.