Despite the inclement weather that tried to dampen the spirit of the September 10th celebrations in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, the town managed to coronate its new queen and parade before the rain started on Tuesday, September 10, 2013.
Before a large crowd of mostly students, outgoing Miss San Pedro Naiely Puc handed over her scepter, cape and bestowed a new crown onto the newly elected Miss San Pedro 2013 Solani Graniel. The ceremony was cut short due to the threat of rain, but San Pedro Mayor and his councilors were able to commemorate the Battle of St. George’s Caye/September 10th celebrations before the weather went sour.
After the coronation, a spirit-full crowd of island students took on to parade through the streets of San Pedro Town, even under a light drizzle. Their energies were high and there was nothing stopping them from celebrating the town’s newest beauty queen and the town’s observance of a national holiday.
The gloomy weather prevailed for the rest of the day, but that did not dampen the spirits of some residents who went out to Central Park after the parade for the beach party that the San Pedro Town Council had planned. There was music and food for those in attendance to enjoy.
The Battle of St. George’s Caye Commemorated
During the previous day, on the eve of September 10th, the San Pedro Town Council prepared a “Tribute to the Baymen” program at Central Park. Opening ceremonies took place after a prelude presentation by the San Pedro High School Marching Band and Motorcade/Bike Parade.
Both San Pedro Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism and head of the September Celebrations Committee of Belize, spoke about the significance of observing St. George’s Caye Day and why the battle was such an important part of Belize’ history.
Bicycle Parade
A Tribute to the Baymen was delivered by Mr. Nigel Encalada, Director of the Institute of Creative Arts of Belize, who gave a brief history of the Battle of St. George’s Caye. Other performances included that of Tricha Stokes who had the privilege of singing the National Anthem of Belize, a patriotic song and a tribute song ‘My Home by the Sea’ and that of the San Pedro Dance Academy who performed a Garifuna medley patriotic dance.
The evening was highlighted by the reenactment of the Battle of St. George’s Caye that was performed by the Verandah Taylz Theater Group.
Battle of the Bands
San Pedro Dance Academy
Reenactment of the Battle of St. George’s Caye performed by the Verandah Taylz Theater Group
