Pitpan races, long ago
March 9 was Harbour Regatta and sometimes River Regatta. Part of the River Regatta included climbing the Greasy Pole by Bridge foot.
I remember those races every 9th of march in the belize river starting from behind BEC.
PIT PANS would carry Cargo and Passengers.
PIT PANs were larger dugouts than doreys, with a flat bottom.
They were able to carry Heavier loads such as Drums of Fuel and even lighter animals like pigs and sheep.
By Gazette dated 28th October 1882, the following announcement was made.
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" THE GOVERNMENT PITPAN TO LEAVE THE CAYE, (CAYO) FOR BELIZE CITY ON THE 1OTH -and BELIZE CITY FOR THE CAYE ON THE 18TH, OF EVERY MONTH, CARRYING Mails passengers and Freight.
WILL CALL AT, The Boom, Bakers, Bermudan Landing, Double Head Cabbage, Big Falls, Little Orange Walk, Rock Donde, San Francisco, and Mount Hope,
PASSENGERS : $ 2.50 each.
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PIT PANS became famous for water racing, especially in Belize City.
During special holidays, PIT PAN races were held, where people assembled by the thousands, by the Swing Bridge Bridge.
Lots of fun in those days. Regattas, PIT PAN and Dorey Races, SWIMMING RACES from St George's Caye, Horse Races, - Foot Ball games at the MCC, at the BEC Field, and at Rogers Stadium. BOXING at Parish Hall and the big ones at the Palace Theatre. and our girls used to bring GOLD MEDALS.
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