Belize's National Heroes And Benefactors Day: A March Celebration

March 10th is not a notable date in Belize, however, March 9th is National Heroes and Benefactors Day, more commonly known as Baron Bliss Day. This holiday celebrates a wealthy Englishman who died in 1926 and bequeathed his fortune to Belize. The celebrations include a regatta in Belize City, as well as sailing exhibitions and parties across the country.

March is a great time to visit Belize, as it is during the dry season, and the country experiences minimal rain and high temperatures. This makes it perfect for outdoor activities and marine tourism. The Belize Barrier Reef is a popular attraction, as it is filled with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. The dry season also makes it easier to visit ancient Mayan sites and sacred caves, as they are more accessible during this time.

Weather

March is the apex of Belize's dry winter months, marking the height of the tourist season. The country experiences minimal rain and humidity, making it perfect for outdoor activities. The average number of rainy days in March is around 4, with temperatures of 79°F (26°C) on the coast and a low of 77°F (23°C). However, it can be much hotter and more humid in the capital and inland forested areas, with temperatures reaching as high as 88°F (31°C). The relative lack of rain and clear skies cause temperatures to spike, but offshore breezes bring a pleasant cooling effect in the evenings.

The dry season in Belize typically occurs from December to May, and March and April are considered idyllic months to visit, with little rain and pleasant temperatures. The pleasant sea temperatures in March, hovering around 80°F (26°C), make it a great time for a dip in the sea, diving, or snorkelling. The dry season also offers excellent visibility for snorkelling and diving, with clear blue skies and sunny days.

The weather in March makes it ideal for exploring the many Maya sites in Belize, as the dry conditions make these sites more accessible. While most Maya sites can be accessed year-round, heavy rainfall during the rainy season can cause flooding, occasionally leading to the closure of some sites.

March is a popular month for tourists to visit Belize, so it is recommended to book accommodations and tours in advance to avoid disappointment.

Outdoor activities

March is the perfect time for outdoor activities in Belize, with minimal rain and humidity. The dry season makes it a great time to visit the beaches and go snorkelling or scuba diving. The sea is warm and calm, and the low rainfall means you're unlikely to get stuck indoors. The clear blue skies and sunny days make it a great time for boat trips and fishing expeditions, too.

Belize is known for its Mayan ruins and ancient temples, and March's dry weather makes visiting these sites more accessible. Many of the sites are located near rivers and streams, and the reduced chance of flooding means they are more likely to be open.

The dry season is also a great time to visit the many caves in Belize. Actun Tunichil Muknal is Belize's most popular cave tour, but there are many other options, including the amazing ATM cave in the Cayo District.

If you're looking for adventure, you can go zip-lining through the rainforest or tubing through the caves. The Mopan and Macal Rivers offer a more relaxed experience, with opportunities for swimming and canoeing.

March is also a great time for wildlife spotting. The inland lagoons are home to herons, storks, and egrets, while the Belize Zoo is a great place to see wildcats like ocelots and jaguars. The beginning of whale shark season in March means you might even spot one of these gentle giants off the coast of Placencia.

So, whether you're looking for adventure, cultural exploration, or just a chance to relax on the beach, March is a great time to visit Belize and take advantage of all the outdoor activities this beautiful country has to offer!

La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge

The La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge is an annual canoe race held in Belize in early March. The race is around 170 to 175 miles long and takes place over four days, finishing in Belize City. The race is open to professional and amateur paddlers from Belize and around the world, including Central and North America and Europe. Teams of three members paddle along the Belize River, facing challenging rapids and scorching heat. The race is divided into different categories, such as Pleasure, Family, or Intramural.

The race has a rich history, dating back to its humble beginnings in 1998. It was first organised and sponsored by a local fruit juice company, Cayo Tropical Fruits. However, in 2014, on its 16th anniversary, it came under the patronage of a local beer bottler, Belikin. The race has since grown in popularity and prestige, attracting over 80 to 100 teams from various countries, including Belize, the USA, Canada, Japan, and the UK.

The route typically remains the same, with minor variations in the specific starting and ending points. The first day covers around 49 miles from Hawksworth Bridge in San Ignacio to Banana Bank Lodge. Day 2 takes paddlers from Banana Bank to Double Head Cabbage, a distance of 60 miles. On Day 3, participants race for 36 miles from Double Head Cabbage to Burrell Boom. The final day, covering 26 miles, is the shortest but most exhilarating leg, taking paddlers from Henderson Bank in Burrell Boom to the finish line at the Belcan Bridge in Belize City.

The La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge is more than just a race; it is a celebration of Belize's rich history, culture, and natural beauty. It highlights the importance of the country's river system, which was once the main means of transport and trade. The event has become a major public and tourist attraction, drawing hundreds of locals and visitors to the banks of the Macal River. It is a Belizean festival that showcases the country's vibrant spirit and love for adventure.

The race also serves an important environmental purpose, raising awareness about the need to protect Belize's pristine rivers and their ecological significance. Racers and supporters alike recognise the beauty and fragility of these aquatic "superhighways" of the ancient Maya. Belize has a long-standing tradition of keeping its waterways clean and debris-free, and the La Ruta Maya River Challenge helps to reinforce this commitment on a national level.

National Heroes and Benefactors Day

The history of the holiday can be traced back to Baron Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss, a wealthy Englishman who died in 1926 and bequeathed his fortune to Belize. Originally, 9 March was designated "Baron Bliss Day" to honour Bliss, who is considered one of the country's national heroes.

On National Heroes and Benefactors Day, there are boat races in Belize City, and regattas in many small towns across the country. Locals hang out by the river or sea all day, enjoying the good weather and each other's company.

The day also falls during the peak of Belize's dry winter months, making it a popular time for tourists to visit. The country experiences minimal rain and humidity in March, making it perfect for outdoor activities and adventures. The sea is warm and calm, allowing for easy boat trips and fishing expeditions, while the low rainfall means it's an ideal time for a beach vacation.

Maya Day festival

A Celebration of Maya Culture and Traditions

Maya Day is a celebration of the rich and vibrant Maya culture that continues to thrive in Belize. While the Maya are known for their ancient architectural and astronomical achievements, Maya Day is about celebrating the living Maya identity, encompassing language, music, arts, dance, food, drinks, beliefs, and sacred rituals.

The Maya Day festival is held annually at the end of March in the Village of Blue Creek in Toledo, Belize. The date is chosen as a "Nawal of Prosperity", a day of enlightenment and tranquility, and it falls on March 24th in the year the source was published. The festival is a showcase of traditional Maya music, art, cultural dances, food, drinks, and games.

Leading up to the festival, there are several competitions and cultural events among the local Mayan communities. One of the most exciting events is the "fire dance", where participants play with a burning ball. Closer to the festival, the Belizean Mayas are joined by their counterparts from Guatemala to prepare and perform traditional dances, including the Chachay and the Deer or Cortes Dance. These dances are preceded by sacred rituals where men are separated from their wives or girlfriends.

The Maya Day celebration commences with a ritual honouring the four colours—red, black, white, and yellow—which represent the four pillars of the earth and the integration of humanity with nature. In addition to the traditional dances, the festival features live Mayan marimba music competitions and competitions showcasing various aspects of daily Mayan life, such as tortilla making, corn grinding, and firewood chopping. There are also traditional games, such as the greasy pole and the greasy pig!

The Maya Day festival is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the ancient and modern Mayan culture that continues to flourish in Belize. It is a celebration of a living heritage that goes beyond the ruins and history books.

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