I’ve been to several fiestas and bashes over the summer here in Belize. But I have to say, this one was my favorite by far!

Live music every night this past weekend at Belize City’s Memorial Park – part of the September Independence celebrations. It happened to be just steps from my hotel too, pretty convenient. Some of Belize’s best recording artists played and it was free show for all, sponsored by Belikin, Belize’s main beer brand.

Drink tents all around (cash bar), state-of-the-art stage with funky light effects, food vendors, raffles to win free drinks and even an amusement park set up in the back of the park for the kids.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a huge crowd at any one event anywhere in my travels. Other than maybe the Jamaica Jazz Festival a couple of years ago.

It was a blast seeing everyone in such a festive and dancing mood.

When I researched who “Sir Barry” was, curious to know about the reference for the bash, I found out his family owns Belikin and more importantly, I learned about his passing last year and how important he was to Belize.

Well, Sir Barry would’ve been proud because his first bash – held a year after his passing and during his favorite time of the year – was a huge success, all three nights of it. Even heavy rains on the last night and a super muddy park on Sunday, didn’t keep people at home.

From the African beats of punta rock with Belizean star Super G to some soca to some Creole sounds, the crowd was shaking it and singing along all night.

The funniest part were the crowd competitions to win Belikin beer kegs. A couple of people would get picked to come up on stage and show off their hip-and-butt shaking skills and whomever impressed the crowd the most would win. At one point, Super G asked for one person “from foreign” to come up on stage to dance with two other people. No one came forth… every single person there was Belizean! Well… except for me.    Good thing no one knew!

I laughed so hard though, watching the men in particular twisting their bodies like snakes! Aaaaah the things people do for free beer – definitely a universal thing!

Lebawit Lily Girma

Travel writer, Photographer, Guidebook author and Blogger Lily Girma has lived and studied in Africa, Europe and the Americas. In 2008, she left behind a prestigious law career to follow her passion. Her work has been published in various outlets, including CNN Travel, BBC Travel and New York Times Magazine, and her photography commissioned by tourism boards. Her first edition of "MOON BELIZE" travel guidebook is due for publication this Fall 2013 (10th edition, Moon Handbooks by Avalon Travel/Perseus Books). Lily's work reflects a deep love for culture and adventure in all its forms.

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