Contents:1. September celebrations in Belize
2. Independence celebrations in Central America
3. National commemoration day in Guatemala The month of September is very important on the social calendar for Belizeans. If we go back just over two hundred years to 1798, the Spanish made their last attempt to take possession of the territory by force of arms. This was an ill fated maritime expedition from the Yucatan which was defeated both by the tenacious defense of the "Baymen", and the protected but treacherous waters within the barrier reef. Known as the "Battle of St. Georges Caye", this event is celebrated on 10th September and became very much the National day during the 20th Century. This was to change when in 1981, Belize was granted Independence from the United Kingdom on 21st September. This date naturally takes precedence in the hearts of Belizeans. Nevertheless, the whole month has developed into a great excuse for a party, and will see many Belizean-Americans returning to their roots to enjoy. Many cultural events lead up to the 10th, including the Queen of the Bay pageant, and Carnival. The Queen of the Bay is the more traditional of the country's beauty pageants. The Queen reigns over the September celebrations and is expected to represent the country in many international events. She is certainly expected to be part of Carnival! The rest of the world celebrates with excess the days leading up to Lent and the self imposed restraint that it involves. Nothing that complicated here. It's September, a time when kids have always "marched" in parades through the City, so why not liven it up a little? Community groups work hard throughout the year to choreograph, sew costumes and prepare the members for the big day. This year there will be six junior and six senior groups all competing for the coveted titles of Carnival King & Queen. The winning group will also have the opportunity to compete internationally in the Miami Carnival. A dazzling display of color, lots of loud music, bugles & drums, and literally dancing in the streets can be expected. Onlookers have their own fun whilst waiting, and can follow the procession to the National Stadium where the fun continues until dark. This year Carnival will be on 9th September. The following day is St. Georges. A little more sedate, we can expect a Citizens Parade, which will be accompanied by the usual loud sounds! The 10th has become a bit of a political nugget, which is chewed backwards and forward, depending on who is in power. Belizeans in general are quite happy to celebrate, even if they are unsure why! The dust settles for a few days before it all begins again. Big dances and parties on the 20th September, to bring in Independence. The day itself will begin with the formal ceromonies at Memorial Park. The Prime Minister, Governor General and leader of the Opposition will say a few words, addressing the Nation and the assembled dignitaries from the Diplomatic Corps. Naturally a parade will follow. The country's youth is represented by all the high schools and colleges, with the inevitable bands taking up the rear. A street party will then ensue in the centre of town. Two of the main streets are blocked off, and it's party time. Plenty of food and refreshments, and of course music. As dusk begins to fall, it is time to drift home or to the nightspots where the party continues. In recent years, we have come to expect Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, a Soca band from Trinidad to be in attendance during the celebrations. They always seem to come up with a new song or two that capture the public's imagination. This year will be no exception. By the last few days of the month it is time to reflect. Broke again and Christmas is just around the corner!! 
In the month of September Central America celebrates its independence from Spain. The 15th of September 1821 Central America's provinces proclaimed independence from the Spanish crown. Central American lovers of all that smells party and celebration, avail this occasion to venerate the fatherland during the month of September. In Nicaragua they began to celebrate in the late 20th century. The 14th of 1856 produced the battle of San Jacinto, when the Nicaraguans earned a military victory against the North American filibusters headed by William Walker. That's the reason why the days of 14th and 15th of September were declared patriotic days. The celebrations are in charge of the Ministry of Education. The Central American ambassadors, diplomatic corps, ministers and winners in the allusive contests upon theme of the fatherland are invited to the central proceedings. Hundreds of students from various schools join in the celebrations. Many students wait for these parties to use their uniform for the first time of the year. Students, from the poor to the rich, show in the parades the new uniform with shining black shoes. This month is for the majority of students a month of party, elegance and competition. They accomplish a series of competitions in sports, parading bands and a national oratory contest. The parading of the bands is something impressive, dignifying to experience. The national anthems of every Central American country are among the themes that they interpret. Many high schools have their own bands whose members are practicing all year round to shine in the competitions during the patriotic days. I used to live in the proximity of a school and can attest to the countless hours of practice behind the rhythm. As a neighbor it's impossible to avoid the permanent sonar of the beating drums, seven days of the week. Almost all year round! But I can't deny the professionalism of the musicians at the time of the parades. The best groups incorporate the rhythmical gymnastics; the combination of the elegant movements of the dance and the cheerful colors of the costumes gives you a true spectacle full of color and beauty. During the celebrations the students visits historic places. Each school accomplishes cultural proceedings in remembrance of the men and women that over the years have fought for the defense of the national sovereignty. The youngsters are urged to follow the ancestor's example and work to fight against the ignorance, the poverty, the illiteracy, and the violence and to conserve the national sovereignty. Local authorities for their part accomplish the embellishment of parks, streets and avenues where the parades passes by. They realize activities on Central American level, as part of the celebration of the independence. Among other tings is the relay race of the torch, starting in Guatemala and finishing in Costa Rica. To travel on the Pan American highway the 15th September is a spectacle. In every corner where there is a school you can see quantities of children dressed in uniform, with expectant faces waiting for the torch. The best runners have the privilege to run a distance, and the rest have a good time looking at the caravan of the torch. Schools, as well as most dwelling houses, are decorated with flags and flowers. There are cultural ceremonies at the border, with participation of representatives from all of the Central American countries. Because of that you should inform yourself of what is happening between the 14th and 15th, because it could be difficult or impossible to cross the border. It's disheartening to cross an entire country just to discover that you must wait until the next day to be able to cross. The sports competitions are part of this celebration. This year for example the first international biking tournament "Fiestas Patrias" will take place in Nicaragua from 14th to the 17th of September. If you are traveling in Central America during this month, the best thing to do is to ask at your hotel, the local people or at the tourist office about the activities. Thus you will not have to go back home without experiencing the joy and color of the Central American independence celebrations.
Guatemala celebrates its independence the 15th of September, like the rest of the Central American nations, except Panama and Belize. This date has its origin in the year 1821 when the illustrious citizens of the United Kingdom of Guatemala declared their unyielding sovereignty, they disclaimed irrevocably to continue under the mandate of the Spanish king. In spite of the subsequent divisions of the kingdom into the different countries that today conform Central America, all citizens revives the emotion and the euphoria of being members of a free, sovereign and independent country. The Independence Day is not considered a tourist attraction for inhabitants from other countries, although most locals go to the tourist areas because it's an official public holiday. The army of Guatemala, with presence of the president of the republic, celebrates with protocol act and air acrobatics. In this day of celebration, the Guatemalans repose and they thank those to whom they owe their freedom. As the feast day come close, children, young and old people sell plastic flags in the streets of Guatemala, while in the stores the colors blue and white are more abundant than ever. In the schools the teachers and the drivers decorate with patriotic motives their respective classrooms and schoolbuses. In the assemblies of students in the schools a few days before the 15th, you can hear resound the solemn national anthem. The chorus says of the national bird, the quetzal: "that his flight rises more than the condor and the eagle, and that he rise to Heaven on his wings: Guatemala, your immortal name."
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