Okay, Belize’s 30th Independence celebrations were on the 21st but I needed a whole 24 hours to recover from the festivities!

It started on the eve of the 21st with an amazingly creative September Spectacle skit and dances, followed by a Flag-raising ceremony at midnight and fireworks over the water across from Memorial Park in Belize City, and more live music.

On the day of Independence, we headed to Belmopan in the early morning – Belize’s capital city - for the official Independence Day ceremonies, and later drove to Orange Walk – north of Belize – for Carnival. Orange Walk celebrates their Carnival on Independence Day every year, and it’s known as the most festive and colorful in Belize. Belizeans drive from all over the country to attend.

The past two days were filled with folks in reds and blues, laughing, celebrating, dancing…and drinking lots of rum and Belikins. I have to say, I loved the free mixed drinks that were being given away at Orange Walk Carnival from the rum trucks (if you were lucky you’d get a free rum bottle too -guess who got lucky?!)

I feel lucky to have been here during such a festive time, and capturing it all has been a real treat.

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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