By Angel Nuñez
While Belize City had the biggest parade ever on September 21, 1981, San Pedro Village also celebrated with its few hundreds. The Midnight ceremony on Sept. 22 at Central Park was a huge event and by nine in the morning of September 21 the revelers were ready to show their happiness and their true colors.
The reigning queen, Dalinda “Daly” Guerrero, Miss San Pedro 1981 who was crowned on September 10 of that year did all the honors. And then there were musicians on foot and a make shift musical group. The small stage at the town square was beautifully decorated with green palms of coconut trees. No flags, no backdrops, no glitter- only a stage to reflect a colorful event. Master of ceremonies Angel Nunez introduced the village chairman, to deliver the first Independence address.
Then the hundreds took to the streets. The revelers were there in the hundreds, including men, women and school children. There was no float for the queen; she headed the parade greeting the people at their homes. There were no floats nor golf carts to line up the streets, only people dancing their soles with the rhythm of a make shift band of guitars, accordion and drums. There was no rum, no DJ’s, and no give-aways, not even promotional T-shirts- only happy men women, and children singing and dancing and repeating in unison: “Que Viva La Independencia!”, “Que Viva George Cadle Price!”, Que Viva San Pedro!” Of course the main chant was that of “Que Viva San Pedro”
After sweating themselves around San Pedro, the revelers ended up at Central park where the school children had their treats (nothing this year) and then it was time for a beach party. There was food and drinks on sale in abundance. There were competitive games with the children and run by the school teachers and village councilors. There were, of course, the famous greasy poles both vertical and horizontal. The horizontal one over the sea attracted mostly the children who were dying for a good swim in the warm midday, The vertical greasy pole attracted the older boys who were eagerly fighting to prove there veracity, tenacity, audacity, intensity and masculinity. The spectators simply applauded to give them courage especially when they were only three feet from the top and beginning to slide downwards. These fun activities went on until dusk when everyone had not had enough but were too tired to even whisper, “Que Viva La Independencia or “Que Viva San Pedro!” Thus ended the very first ever Independence Day celebration 32 years ago in San Pedro.
The Greasy Pole
25 Years Ago Books Can Be Purchased At:
-Ambergris Today -Lala’s Store -Pampered Paws -San Pedro BTB Office -Aquarius Salon (Kim) -S.P. Town Library -Di Bush –Richie’s Stationery -San Pedrano’s Stationery -Rum, Coffee & Cigar House
Contact the Author at: nunez_nest@yahoo.com
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