San Pedro resident and Island artist, Natalie Arceo’s new song “I Raise My Flag” was featured last night during the Official Ceremony Commemorating the 39th Anniversary of Belize’s Independence.
There were no mass gathering around the country, no parades, no concerts, no jump-ups; everything was held virtually this year in keeping with safety protocols that Belize is adhering to in order to further decrease the spreading of corona virus. With the COVID-19 pandemic, all mass gatherings and events in 2020 were cancelled, so Belize decided to celebrate virtually.
The live virtual broadcast included speeches by all Mayors of each District, Cities, including San Pedro, Ambergris Caye and presentations by local artist from around the country. The broadcast culminated with the official flag raising ceremony at midnight at the Government House in Belize City.
Natalie Arceo’s song “I Raise My Flag” was one of the featured presentations. It is a collaboration with other island artists including Derick Baños, Kirian Vasquez and William Portillo. Natalie’s songs was presented in a music video where she is seen playing the guitar at the end of a pier with a Belizean Flag in one hand, accompanied by her father on the bongo drums.
“I really wanted to encapsulate San Pedro Strong and our love of community and culture. As I was writing, the different generations of San Pedranos came to mind, Angle Nunez who has seen Belize grow from independence to now, us with the San Pedro strong humanitarian movement, the kids who will learn from us, to play carnaval and dance comparsas, making sure that they remember where they come from and how far we have come. We are a resilient island. I’m so proud of us. Belizeans we shall rise above, together we shall over come!!!” – Natalie Arceo
Reactions to Natalie’s Song on Facebook:
“If you want to understand #SanPedroStrong, listen to this! Natalie Arceo does an awesome job on expressing how we feel and how we are a community here in La Isla Bonita.” – Amy Knox
“Feeling proud of Natalie Arceo. Was so good they played it over and over! Best song, San Pedro was well represented.” – Lisa Forman
“Natalie Arceo, my tears of pride and Joy mi niña. You are awesome and u can feel the love for San Pedro and Belize. I love this so much…long live Belize and proud of our 501.” – Rosalyn Tzib
Happy Independence Day Belize!
“Overcoming Adversity, Creating Opportunity, Belizeans: Unite for Prosperity!”
Stay Safe, Happy September Celebrations!
