What are the traditions of Cayo, Belize, including San Ignacio and Belmopan?

On the 9th of March, we have a large canoe race in the Cayo District called La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge that starts in San Ignacio in the Cayo District and runs for 185 miles, to Belize City.  It is a 4-day journey, stopping in Banana Bank, which is close to Belmopan, the capital city of Belize. Then it goes on to some other places in the Cayo District until it finally gets to Belize City where the river meets with the Caribbean Sea.
 
There are serious canoers who...

On the 9th of March, we have a large canoe race in the Cayo District called La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge that starts in San Ignacio in the Cayo District and runs for 185 miles, to Belize City.  It is a 4-day journey, stopping in Banana Bank, which is close to Belmopan, the capital city of Belize. Then it goes on to some other places in the Cayo District until it finally gets to Belize City where the river meets with the Caribbean Sea.
 
There are serious canoers who take part in the race and some do it just for fun. I might do it when I get stronger arms. This tradition is that the race takes place during Baron Bliss weekend.  (Baron Bliss is a national benefactor of Belize.)
 
We also have Easter. During Easter, there is a bicycle race but that goes from Belize City into San Ignacio and back to Belize City. It is a 1-day trip that occurs on Holy Saturday. On Easter Sunday, there is a procession in Benque Viejo del Carmen, which is a border town of the Cayo District near Guatemala. The procession reenacts the final days of Jesus Christ. It is a big tradition here in Cayo. We also have an Easter Fare, which occurs over the weekend of Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. 
 
In September, we celebrate Independence Day and the Battle of St. George’s Caye, which are celebrated here in Cayo and everywhere else in Belize with parades. The celebration of Battle of St. George’s Caye is on September 10th and Independence Day is on September 21st. 

 

(Map St. George's Caye in 1764, pictured.)