Yet another week has ticked by, and it’s been a rainy one here. I guess that’s to be expected, since it’s rainy season and all, but village life sure slows down when it’s wet. (Some families don’t even make their kids go to school!)
This past weekend was beautiful, though, and thank goodness because it was Belize’s 33rd Independence Day. The festivals started off on Friday where the schools paraded around the village with vehicles adorned with balloons and streamers of red, white, and blue. (The colors of Belize’s flag, too!)
Then, on Saturday, I celebrated Carnival in Corozal Town. There were neon costumed dancers, lively marching bands, and floats hauled by semi-trucks. As we awaited the evening’s festivities, there was a nationwide blackout, but power came back on in time for the “Raising of the Flag” ceremony. This happens at exactly midnight of the 21st, commemorating the first Independence Day when the British flag was lowered and the new Belizean flag unfurled. Of course, the night would not have been complete without good old-fashioned fireworks!
The next morning, I woke up early to join my Community Health Worker at the more subdued parade of students. We were invited by the Ministry of Health to represent our village among all the community health workers in the region. Oh man, was it hot! I took a cue from the locals and used my umbrella to seek a little refuge from the sun, but I was glad to see the sea that signaled the end of our parade route. Thankfully, Monday was Independence Day (Observed), so I didn’t have to wake up too early the next morning after such a fun-filled weekend!
Love always,
Jess
P.S. I’m jealous of all of you starting to see the beginning of beautiful fall weather…We’re a long way from jeans and sweaters, here!
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