BELICE / BELIZE

CAPITAL : Belmopan
LARGEST CITY : Belice city
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES : English (*)
GOVERNMENT : Commonwealth realm MONARCH : Elizabeth II
GOVERNOR-GENERAL :Colville Young
PRIME MNISTER : Said Musa
INDEPENDENCE : from de U. K DATE : September 21, 1981
AREA : 22,966 Km
POPULATION : 291,500
GDP (PPP) Per Capita : $ 7,832
CURRENCY : Belizean dollar
INTERNET TDL : .bz
CALLING CODE : +501

(*)Significant numbers of people Speak Spanish and Kriol.

CARNIVAL
San Pedro Town is one of the very last places in the country of Belize that observes Carnaval. San Pedros Carnaval is similar to New Orleans Mardi Gras (in meaning, not size). Carnaval is observed during the week leading up to Ash Wednesday and the Lenten Season. Carnival is a pagan celebration during which time people can indulge in bodily pleasures that they will soon have to give up during lent. The local government of San Pedro Town usually organizes a week of fun events for visitors and locals.
Comparsas dancers form groups and dress themselves in outlandish customs and dance for money through the main streets of the town. One of the most popular comparsa groups is the male comparsa group. Groups of men usually well known and influential men in the community dress up like women and dance. Each year prizes are given to the best dance group and for the past few years the men have taken home the prize.
Children from all ages also participate in carnival. The community leaders annually stress that the season should be celebrated in a respectful and peaceful manner. It usually is. On the last day of Carnival painters flood the street to paint each other. This simply means that a mixture of water paint and water or raw eggs is used to paint people on the streets, the goal being to paint as many people as you can. If you don't want to be painted stay in your hotel room. It can be wild but fun.


David de la Cruz