Belize celebrates 45 years of independence today. Happy Independence Day, Belize!
Belize became an independent nation on September 21, 1981, bringing an end to more than a century as the British colony of British Honduras. Today, Belizeans across the country and overseas are marking the anniversary with parades, ceremonies, music, parties, and other events.
Independence Day is also the culmination of Belize’s September Celebrations, with events taking place throughout the month and building toward September 21. This year’s theme, Look At Me: I Am Belize @ 45, puts Belizeans themselves at the center of the country’s 45th birthday celebrations.
Prime Minister John Briceño marked the occasion by calling on Belizeans to reflect on how far the country has come since independence.
“As we celebrate 45 years of Independence, let us honor how far we have come, believe boldly in how far we can go,” he said, calling for Belizeans to continue building a country where future generations have the opportunity to thrive.
The anniversary is being recognized outside Belize as well. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has congratulated Belizeans on Independence Day, while in London, Westminster Abbey marked the occasion during today’s Evensong.
But September 21 is ultimately about Belize and Belizeans. Today marks 45 years since the country took its place as an independent nation, and another Independence Day being celebrated in communities across the country and wherever Belizeans live around the world.
Happy Independence Day, Belize.
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