School Days
In the 1950’s school days were so different, but at the end of the day, the objectives of learning and good discipline were accomplished just as it is today. Let’s look at some conditions. Before going to school most kids had to carry out some chores at home, something most kids today are not required […]
Unique Traditions Bring in the New Year
Today welcoming in the New Year with free champagne, fireworks and glitter may seem interesting but listen to this interesting and unique tradition of the 1950’s to welcome in the New Year. The dances started at 8 o’clock on the dot and that seemed a bit too late as the guys were waiting for the […]
Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year To Everyone!
One more year has transpired and no doubt it had its ups and downs. The angels in you have led you on the right path. Now the question is, “Have you thanked God for all his goodness to you? This is the good time to thank and glorify God for his favors unto you. I […]
It’s Christmas Time
Christmas is Christmas, but 25 years ago, it was celebrated quite differently, so here is a taste of Christmas 25 years ago. One knew that Christmas day was approaching when you could see those huge hams in sacks hanging from the ceiling at the two or three stores in the village. There being no meat […]
Sanpedranos at the Panama Canal
How many of you know that there were a few Sanpedranos that worked in the construction of the Panama Canal? Not many I suppose, but documented evidence reveals of several of them working there in several capacities. One of them is Mr. Miguel “Mike” Rivero who was dad to Eli, Toni, Miguel “Sabas” Rivero, Rilma […]
The Epidemic In San Pedro
Did you know that there was an epidemic in San Pedro twenty five years ago? Well, don’t get scared that you missed it if you moved here around 1980. This epidemic actually occurred in 1918. It was part of a worldwide epidemic known as the Spanish Influenza that started right after World War I in […]
Procession of the Spirits
There is a procession of candle lights approaching slowly from the reef in the direction of the beach. The lights seem to be floating about four feet above the surface of the sea. It moves slowly and gently and a slight murmur can be heard, a combination of prayer and singing. As the procession nears […]
Fun With Insects
How different were insects and bugs 25 years ago from today? Well one main difference is that today we do not see many dragonflies and lightning bugs as there were back then. With a lot of trees and not too much development the air was literally full of these insects 25 years ago, and because […]
The Turtle – A Living Dredge
If you ever told Sanpedranos, 25 years ago, that it was illegal to catch sea turtles, or that the season was closed, you would have upset them so badly that they probably would have beaten you. That was because sea turtles were very important in their lives, and I will tell you why first. Then […]
Mal De Ojo “The Evil Eye”
Have you ever heard of “Mal de Ojo”, or The Evil Eye? Well, if you haven’t, now you will and you will be amazed at the energy that a person can generate. This is how Mal de Ojo worked 25 years ago. Some people just naturally have a strong and harmful eye, you know, like […]
Never Swallow Paper or Plastic
Before you even start thinking that this article is a joke, I want to warn you that it is serious, especially because it deals with children and they can be very curious. Their curiosity leads them to swallow strange things. So all things said, never swallow paper. Some babies put pieces of a balloon in […]
Diapers, The Good and Bad Sides
I guess you all know what diapers are, right? Well just in case you don’t, they are rectangular pieces of cloth used 25 years ago in place of pampers. Now I know all modern girls can only see the bad side of diapers and the good side of pampers, right? But I am prepared to […]
Husking Coconuts for a Living
Can you imagine husking coconuts for a living? Husking refers to the act of peeling a coconut and by that I mean removing the shell from around the nut. To do this you use a sharply pointed iron called an “Estaca”. Half of the estaca is firmly inserted into the ground and the half with […]
Hair Gel of What?
Can I barrow some of your King Hair Gel or Moco de Gorila gel or Punky Junky Gel for my “punk style”? Or the more sophisticated kids would ask for some Loreal or Paris hair gel. But what about 25 years ago? What were the kids and teenagers using to create their favorite hair styles? […]
Where is Your Tuch
Twenty five years ago the scar left after the cutting of the umbilical cord was called a “tuch”. And even after the scar healed and fell off, the small hallow known as the navel was also called el “tuch”. Now it is interesting what parents did with the scar or “tuch” once it fell off. […]
Sailing Boat Cargo of 500 Inhabitants
In the days (25 years ago) when the population of San Pedro was some 500 persons, the way to move cargo between San Pedro and Belize City was by sailing boat. The first cargo boat was by sailing boat. The first cargo boat to provide this service was the Elsa P., owned and sailed by […]
The Many Uses of Corn
The Garifunas tease the Mestizos because they do not know the many dishes with green plantain. But similarly the Mestizos can tease the Garifunas for missing out on the uses of corn. After the corn is cooked and grounded and made into dough, the first thing you can think about is baking corn tortillas. But […]
House Appliances
While today and 25 years ago a housewife’s day is spent all over the house cleaning and doing laundry etc. a great part of her day is spent in the kitchen. For the housewife of 25 years ago, this photo illustrates some of her basic equipment besides the “Fogon” (fire hearth). Let’s begin at the […]
The Shooshak
I remember when it was every boys dream to own his “Shooshak” to be able to do what dad did. The photo is very illustrating, so I will concentrate on its uses. It was strapped to a man’s head and shoulders and back, so he had two free hands – one to kill mosquitoes and […]
Delicious Outdoor Cooking – El Fogon
The beauty of a “Fogon” (fire hearth) used 25 years ago is that it is a stove, an oven, and a grill. Even when fish was the only ingredients for the menu, some of the best cooking went on these “fogones”. First let us build one check the box on the four legs. The box […]
What are "Faginas"?
In the 1950 and 60’s we did not have a lot of committees in San Pedro, but things still got done in the small laid-back fishing village. We did not have the Lions Club nor the tourist guide association. Neither did we have a PTA, a Red Cross, youth groups, Chamber of Commerce, Costa Maya […]
Those Nails in the Kitchen
Last week I placed two nails near my door entrance so that I could hang two hats and that reminded me of a common practice used 25 years ago. Today I want to take you through another and different custom of the 50’s. First of all you need to realize that the kitchens of the […]
Dia de San Pedro Procession
This photograph locks so much history that instead of a flashback article, the editor suggested a feature article in this column. It features so many people, young girls who are now in their fifties, women who are now deceased (RIP), and historic buildings from the village of the 1950’s. At the head of any procession, […]
Blessed Home Remedies
Today we will concentrate on the teeth. There is a lot to be said about the teeth today, but even more so about them twenty five years ago. Before I start I want to ask you if you have ever seen a Mayan skull with rotten teeth. No, right? And that is my point. If […]
Home Remedies Saved The Day!
Deep cuts or wounds were more common 25 years ago than today because people walked totally barefooted. Occasionally one jumped from the pier into the shallow water only to discover that there was a broken bottle that caused a large cut on the sole of the foot, or a conch shell that caused a deep […]