Belizean Slang: Decoding The Term "Bex

Belizeans call a bex a cagafogo or fire defecator. This name is derived from Brazil, where bees with similar characteristics are known to eject an irritating liquid that can burn the skin. In Belize, these bees are often found occupying the cinder block walls of buildings, with small cracks in the mortar providing entryways to the hollow cavities inside. While generally not a threat to humans, if provoked, these bees can launch a powerful attack, with dozens of workers flying into faces and grappling onto exposed skin.

Belize's History

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, is a country located on the northeastern coast of Central America. Here is a brief overview of its history:

Ancient Maya Civilization

The Maya civilization spread into Belize between 1500 BC and AD 300 and flourished until about 1200. The Maya are thought to have been in Belize and the Yucatán region since the second millennium BC. Several Maya ruin sites, including Caracol, Lamanai, and Xunantunich, reflect the advanced civilization and dense population of that period.

European Colonization and Conflict

The first recorded European incursions in the region were made by Spanish conquistadors and missionaries in the 16th century, attracted by the availability of logwood. British settlers also began exploring the area in 1638. Conflict between Britain and Spain over control of the region ensued, with the Spanish attacking British settlements whenever the two powers were at war. The last Spanish attack, the Battle of St. George's Caye, occurred in 1798, resulting in a British victory.

Colonial Period

In 1862, Belize officially became a British colony known as British Honduras. The colony experienced economic challenges due to the decline of the logwood trade and later the mahogany trade. It also faced social unrest, particularly surrounding the issue of slavery, which was abolished in 1833.

Road to Independence

The push for independence in Belize gained momentum in the mid-20th century, led by the People's United Party (PUP). However, the process was complicated by Guatemala's long-standing claim to the territory. Despite ongoing negotiations and international mediation, independence was achieved on September 21, 1981, without reaching an agreement with Guatemala.

Post-Independence Era

Belize has maintained a stable and democratic political system since independence. The country has been governed by two major political parties, the PUP and the United Democratic Party (UDP). The issue of the border dispute with Guatemala has persisted, with both countries agreeing in 2008 to submit the territorial differences to the International Court of Justice.

Belize's Geography

Belize is a small Central American country with a diverse geography. It is located on the Yucatán Peninsula, north of the equator and west of the Prime Meridian. The country has a total area of 22,966 square kilometres, with 22,806 square kilometres of land and 160 square kilometres of water. Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It is the only Central American country without a coastline on the Pacific Ocean.

Belize is known for its biodiversity and distinctive ecosystems. The country's landscape can be divided into two main regions: the southern region, dominated by the Maya Mountains and associated basins and plateaus, and the northern lowlands and southern coastal plain. The Maya Mountains are a rugged range of hills and valleys that rise to heights of about 1,100 metres, with the highest point being Doyle's Delight at 1,124 metres. The northern lowlands and coastal areas feature a flat, swampy coastline with many lagoons and mangrove swamps. West of the northern coastal areas, the terrain transitions to tropical pine savannah and hardwood forest.

Belize has a tropical climate with a rainy season from June to November and a dry season from January to May. The temperature remains warm and comfortable year-round, with an average yearly temperature of 29°C. The country experiences hurricanes and coastal flooding, particularly in the south.

Belize's geology consists mainly of limestone, except for the Maya Mountains, which are formed from intrusive Paleozoic granite and sediments. The country has a variety of natural resources, including hardwood forests, minerals such as dolomite and bauxite, and potential hydroelectric and renewable energy sources. The Belize River, the country's largest river, has played a significant role in the country's historical geography and commerce.

Belize is known for its extensive coral reefs, which form part of the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-longest barrier reef in the world. The country also boasts the largest cave system in Central America and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the black orchid, mahogany tree, toucan, and tapirs.

Belize's People

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, is a melting pot of diverse cultures, languages, and ethnic groups. The people of Belize, or Belizeans, are those associated with the country through citizenship or descent and are known for their warm hospitality. With a population of over 400,000, Belize is the least populated country in Central America, and its people are spread across various urban and rural areas.

Belize's society is composed of many cultures, including Maya, Mestizo, Creole (or Kriol), Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab, Chinese, and Caucasian groups. The Creole people, who were once the majority, now make up about 25% of the population due to emigration and changing immigration patterns. They are descendants of enslaved West and Central Africans, as well as European settlers, and can be found predominantly in urban areas such as Belize City and coastal towns. The Mestizo population, on the other hand, makes up about half of Belize's population and consists of people of mixed Spanish and Mayan descent. They are mostly located in the northern districts of Corozal and Orange Walk.

The Garinagu (singular: Garifuna), who make up around 4.5% of the population, have a unique mix of West and Central African, Arawak, and Island Carib ancestry. They settled in Belize in the early 19th century and are mainly found in Dangriga, Punta Gorda, and Seine Bight. The Maya people, thought to have been in Belize since the second millennium BCE, consist of three main groups: the Yucatec, the Mopan, and the Kek'Chi, with the latter two predominantly in the Toledo District.

Belize's Caucasian population, making up about 4.8% of the residents, includes people of Irish, British, and Lebanese descent, as well as Mennonite communities. The Mennonite population, numbering over 12,000, primarily speak Plautdietsch and live in settlements like Spanish Lookout and Shipyard. Additionally, Belize is home to a small but influential Arab community, which has contributed significantly to the country's politics and education.

The people of Belize embrace their multicultural identity, and this diversity is reflected in their cuisine, music, and traditions. The country's official language is English, but Belizean Creole (or Kriol) is widely spoken and considered integral to the national identity. Spanish, Garifuna, Mayan languages, and Mandarin are also commonly heard throughout the country.

Belize's Language

Belize is a multiethnic country with a diverse society composed of many cultures and languages. It is the only Central American country where English is the official language, and it is the primary language of public education, government, and most media outlets. However, Belizean Creole, or Kriol, is also widely spoken and considered an integral part of the Belizean identity. Belizean Creole is derived mainly from English and the various West African and Bantu languages that were brought into the country by slaves. It is spoken by about 45% of Belizeans and is commonly used in several situations, including informal, formal, social, and interethnic dialogue.

In addition to English and Belizean Creole, other languages spoken in Belize include Spanish, Mayan languages (such as Q'eqchi', Mopan, and Yucatec Maya), Garifuna, German dialects, and Mandarin. Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language in Belize, followed by Mayan languages, German dialects, and Garifuna. Over half of the population is multilingual due to the diverse linguistic backgrounds of the people.

The use of language in Belize is influenced by its history as a former British colony and the various cultures and ethnic groups that have contributed to its society. The country has a rich linguistic diversity that reflects its multicultural nature.

Belize's Food

Belize is a melting pot of cultures, with residents of Amerindian, African, European, Asian, and Middle-Eastern descent or mixed-race. The country's food is an amalgamation of all these ethnicities and their wide variety of foods.

Belizean cuisine is heavily influenced by its Central American and Caribbean neighbours. For example, one of the country's most popular dishes, rice and beans, is also a staple in Costa Rica and El Salvador. Belize's national dish is often accompanied by BBQ chicken, fried plantain, and potato salad.

Belizean food also varies depending on where you are in the country. In less-visited destinations, food options are more limited, possibly due to the old Belizean custom of cooking your own food. In contrast, popular tourist destinations such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Placencia have well-established food scenes with lots of restaurants.

In Belize, appetizers are mostly eaten as snacks rather than before entrees. Popular snacks include Conch Fritters, Cheese Dip, and Ceviche.

A typical Belizean breakfast consists of sides of bread, flour tortillas, or fry jacks (deep-fried dough pieces) that are often homemade. These are eaten with various cheeses, refried beans, eggs, and tea or coffee. Midday meals, or "dinner", tend to be heartier and may include rice and beans, tamales, panades (fried maize shells with beans or fish), meat pies, or escabeche (onion soup).

In rural areas, meals are typically simpler. The Maya use maize, beans, or squash for most meals, while the Garifuna favour seafood, cassava, and vegetables. Belizean meals tend to be a communion for families, and some businesses close at midday for lunch.

Other popular Belizean dishes include:

• Hudut: a traditional Garifuna dish consisting of a fish coconut stew with green and ripe mashed plantains called Fu-fu.
• Pibil: an entire pig buried and slow-roasted in a smouldering, stone-lined hand-dug barbecue pit. The meat is marinated with special spices and wrapped in banana leaves.
• Boil Up: a root vegetable and salted pigtail stew in a tomato and onion sauce, usually topped with boiled eggs and flour dumplings.
• Pupusas: small, round corncakes brought to Belize by refugees from El Salvador. They are filled with cheese and beans or meat.
• Bollos: similar to tamales, these are made of corn dough filled with seasoned chicken or pork and wrapped in a plantain leaf.
• Tamalitos (or Dukunu): a corn mixture steamed in corn husks, often eaten alone or with stewed chicken.
• Caldo: a famous Maya dish made by mixing ground maize with water to form a dense, drinking source.
• Belizean Fudge: think Peanut Brittle.
• Fresh Fruit Juices: lime, orange, pineapple, or watermelon.

Belize is also known for its alcoholic beverages, including rum and Belikin Beer & Stout.

Frequently asked questions