Independence Day!

Yesterday was Belize's Independence Day, and man do they know how to celebrate! We had the unique opportunity to be in the parade, and we jumped on it. In years past, the Island Academy has had an official entry in the parade, but this year opted to participate in the St George's Caye parade instead. However, many of the families really look forward to the Independence Day parade, so several of the moms took the initiative and organized their own entry. Our group was called 'Just Friends' and was composed mostly of kids and parents from the San Pedro Junior Sailing Club. The parade is very much in the style of Carnival, with outlandish, colorful costumes, very loud music, decorated floats, dancing, and lots and lots of alcohol.

Doesn't Amy look smashing in blue eye shadow and red sequins?

The boys, ready to march and dance in the parade!

Some of the boys on the sailing team

We had BIG speakers, and a DJ!

Loki marching

Liam and his sailing coach, Randy

Juice! Rocking the Bob Marley shirt again.

Amy, one of the organizers of the group

Everybody dance!

Lochlan getting into the spirit

The crowd

This little fella was so cute I just had to get a photo!

Whereas, this Happy Palm Frond Dude was not so cute, but his enthusiasm was infectious

Random people posed for photos with the boys

This Garifina man was rocking with his group

At the end, we were hot and tired, and Lochlan crashed his bike right near our house. :( Fortunately he felt better quickly.

The day was sunny and hot, and we paraded for three hours! We had such a great time participating. Towards the end (and after we had passed all three judging stations) we peeled away from our group so we could watch the rest of the parade, and it was amazing to see how much energy and creativity went into all of the entries.

This was definitely a fun and unique experience. Lochlan has already announced that he wants to do it again next year. :)