The San Pedro Town Council and the San Pedro House of Culture organized a weeklong celebratory event that lead to the celebration of Dia de San Pedro (San Pedro Day) on Sunday, June 29, 2014. The activities paid homage to the island’s patron saint and highlighted the rich history and culture of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.
Events kicked off on Friday, June 20, 2014, with the religious traditions of “La Bajada” and authentic fisherman’s breakfast which then led to a week-long art and photo exhibit featuring the founding members of the Caribeña Producers Cooperative, as well as San Pedro fishermen.
NICH’s Fishermen art and photo exhibit
On Wednesday, June 25, 2014, a lecture about the Caste War and its cultural influence on Ambergris Caye was delivered by Council Mito Paz. Attendants learned a rich cultural part of history about the island and how it was an integral part of the Maya history and the shaping of traditions on island residents.
Friday evening, June 27, was reserved for the official opening ceremony for Dia de San Pedro. Mayor Daniel Guerrrero and Minister Manuel Heredia gave short speeches after which the San Pedro Dance Academy delighted the audience with two dance presentations, followed by the Dia de San Pedro Karaoke Competition.
San Pedro Dance Academy
Saturday evening, June 28, had two separate activities being held simultaneously in honor of our patron saint. The San Pedro House of Culture hosted La Alborada: Greeting of the Dawn festivities were held in front of the St. Peter statue. This was an evening of cultural entertainment as mariachi musicians/singers and folkloric dance group from San Jose Palmar, Orange Walk Town came together to pay homage to the patron saint.
The San Pedro Town Council held dance presentations at the Hon. Louis ‘Cuz’ Sylvestre Sports Field with beautiful song renditions by Mariachi Tierra Maya de Chetumal, Quintana Roo followed by an amazing fireworks display that lit up the night as midnight struck; Super Furia Band provided live entertainment for the rest of the evening.
On Sunday, June 29, the traditional fisherman’s mass took place at 4:00a.m and boat procession at 6a.m. and the Dia de San Pedro Fishing Rodeo took place at Central Park with a beach party. It was a fun-filled week with plenty of rich culture, history and entertainment in celebration of our patron saint and town!
El Baile de la Botella by San Jose Palmar Dancer
San Jose Palmar Dance Group
San Pedro Dance Academy
Mariachi Tierra Maya de Chetumal, Quintana Roo
