The September Celebrations

September is the month Belize gives over to itself. The Carnival Road March in Belize City fills the streets with costumed bands and trucks, there are pageants, concerts, a citizens' torch run, and the whole thing culminates in Independence Day on the twenty-first, when the country marks the end of British administration in 1981 with parades in every town. Music is Kriol and Garifuna throughout: brukdown, punta rock and soca off enormous sound systems. Every district holds its own version, and the smaller town celebrations are considerably easier to move around in than the capital's.

What you actually see

• The Carnival Road March - costumed bands through Belize City.
• Independence Day parades - on the twenty-first, in every town.
• Punta rock and brukdown - the music that runs through the month.
• The district celebrations - smaller, easier and often better.

When to go

Through September, with the Carnival Road March usually around the second week and Independence Day on the twenty-first. Accommodation in Belize City fills for the road march. The district towns are calmer alternatives with the same programme.

Honest expectations

Belize City during carnival is very crowded and the usual safety advice applies with more force; go with a plan for getting back. It is hot, loud and long. Programmes are published locally and change. Some events are ticketed and sell out. The road march is a drinking crowd.

Nearby

Every district town holds its own; Belize City has the largest.