When is Belize Independence Day?
Independence Day is a public holiday in Belize on September 21st each year. If the holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday is observed as a bank and public holiday.
This holiday marks Belize being granted independence from Britain on this day in 1981.
Unlike most countries who observe an Independence Day, this is not the National Day of Belize.
History of Belize Independence Day
European contact began in 1502 when Christopher Columbus sailed along the Gulf of Honduras. From the sixteenth century, Spanish conquistadors explored the region, but never establish any permanent settlements due to the lack of natural resources and the hostile Indian tribes.
The first Europeans to put down roots were British sailors; either shipwreck survivors or in some cases, pirates.
This British presence caught the attention of the Spanish who had control of most of the surrounding regions. Whenever a war started between the Spanish and English - a pretty common occurrence in the 18th century - that was the signal for the Spanish to have a go at ousting the British.
It wasn't until the Battle of St. George's Caye in September 1798, that the Spanish finally gave...