AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye San Pedro Parades with Gusto

Among the many things San Pedro does with great enthusiasm, it is to CELEBRATE and PARTY as is evident of New Year's Eve, Valentine's, Halloween, Costa Maya, and Dia de San Pedro. And the Independence celebrations are no exception as it unites all of San Pedro to "Parade with Gusto". It would seem that this was the theme of this year's celebration, "Party with Gusto".

Ambergris Today was there as Mr. Silva made his plunge into the waters of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and with the great assistance of his diving crew of Ramon's Village Dive Shop crew, Mr. Silva was able to accomplish fete.



The San Pedro revelers for this year's event prepared long in advance their costumes, uniforms, head pieces, banners, decorations, artists, music, DJ's, paints and even their footwear. The marching bands were all tuned up and their cheer leaders were fascinating with their pompoms and batons. Most important were the revelers behind each DJ who paraded (jumped up in Belizean language) for two full hours non-stop with such precision, choreography, energy and enthusiasm.

The exuberance of the street artists was so contagious that pretty soon the onlookers on their verandahs and city streets were also clapping, waving and dancing to the rhythms of the passing carnival groups.

Kudos to all the schools from kindergarten, elementary, high school to junior college for their colorful and enthusiastic participation, and if they took a day off the following day to rest, it was well deserved after four to five hours of active participation.



Kudos to the businesses and private groups that decorated and enlivened the parade. To see our mayor and area representative parading and dancing barefoot for the entire route of the parade was touching and meaningful as well. Those who missed out must be sorry. Those who hyped up the parade must be proud and satisfied that they paraded with gusto in celebration of an independence that has brought much good to Belize. Hip Hip hurray to Belize, to San Pedro, and to the revelers in the parade who made this year's parade the longest ever and so exciting that everyone is looking forward already to next year's.

Parade Winners:

Best Organized Group
1st - ABC Pre School (support by The Island Academy)
2nd - E & L Butane Gas/ Varela's
3rd - The Reef Radio

Best Float:
1st - E & L Butane Gas/ Varela's
2nd - ABC Pre School
3rd - Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES)











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Absolutely phenominal! Makes me "second" homeshick.