The Blackbird Blog

Celebrate an Entire Month of Independence in Belize

Belizeans will be celebrating all month long because September 21st marks their thirty-eighth year of becoming an independent nation. Now if that sounds young to you, it's because it is. Belize only gained their independence from Great Britain in 1981, the most ironic part about Belize gaining their independence in September is that it is the same month that Great Britain won a Naval Battle over the Spanish to gain Belize as part of their colony in 1798. So although the actual Independence Day on the 21st, Belizeans will begin celebrating on the 10th with music, vibrant clothes, sparkles, feathers, dancing and a whole lot of fun! No matter what day of the week or where you are staying in Belize it is sure to be a party. 

Colors, Corals, and More: Dive The Aquarium

We promise — it’s nothing like the ones back home.

Sitting 13 miles east of Turneffe Atoll, this chunk of Long Caye is prized for its biodiversity. Brain corals, gorgonians, and sea plumes dot the shallow end of a tabletop reef; parrotfish, Creole Wrasse, and sergeant majors lead the way toward a steep dropoff.

It only gets better from there: A sheer wall, crusted with coral, stretches towards the depths. Groupers and barracudas cruise by, adding to the liveliness of this unique ecosystem. Needless to say, there’s a lot to see; and with visibility reaching 80 feet, you’ll have your chance to see it all.

All that’s left to do is prep your dive gear.