Old El Cayo Savannah on the banks of the Macal River, long ago
Very few folks remember, when the El Cayo Savannah was an important area of the Twin Towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena.
This savannah, (or open space) served for many purposes.
It was a grazing area for many mules that served as transport.
It served as an Airstrip, when TACA began its first air services between Belize City and San Ignacio in 1938.
It served as a sporting ground for Horse Racing, Football, Kite flying, cricket and other sports.
It also served as a place for public gatherings such as bazaars the Agricultural Show, Mestisadas, Moros and other lighter Fun. There was a Tennis Court which served to hold Gala Dances.
Jose Maria Galvez *(Don Chema) had over 100 Mules that grazed in that savannah. Likewise my Maternal Grand father, Don Antonio Farias had about sixty mules - ( Both of them came from Saguayo Michoacan )
At the South End of this Savannah was the famous "EL CAYO LANDING " - The Boat Wharf, where 26 River Boats charged and discharged cargo for the Cayo District and the Peten Department of Guatemala. All chicle blocks, were transported by river boats to be exported from Belize City, warehouses.
In the foto you can see at the far end the Old Slaughter House and the Flowers family home.
On the right hand you can see the white sandy bay of Santa Elena. It was kept clean up to the beautiful beaches.
Photograph courtesy Hector Silva
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