Island residents celebrated their dearly departed at the San Pedro House of Culture’s (SPHC) El Dia de Los Finados/Muertos celebration (Day of the Dead) on Saturday, November 2nd. This tradition is practiced annually among the Mestizo, Maya and Garifuna cultures in Belize, and is usually observed over two days, November 1st and 2nd. It is also a tradition in many Latin American countries.
The event started shortly after 7pm with Director of SPHC Guillermo ‘Mito’ Paz welcoming everyone and explaining the importance of the event to those in attendance. Thereafter, the audience read several rosaries and sang Catholic hymns. Afterwards, the attendees got to enjoy some staple foods being offered, including Tamalitos de Chaya, Arroz con Leche and pan dulce.
The exhibit was then opened for viewing, the finados altars adorned beautifully with religious amulets and laden with food offerings. The foods chosen are generally those that the deceased enjoyed during their life.
The exhibit displayed framed photos of loved ones that have passed on, and families observed each one and shared stories about their departed loved ones. Some family members even went in matching T-shirts with their loved ones’ picture on it.
There were seven different altars on display, representing the Maya Hanal Pixan, Garinagu, Aztecs, Los Angelitos (little Souls), La Anima Sola (The Forsaken Soul), and the Christian Altar.
The SPHC takes this opportunity to thank all those who sponsored and assisted in making the event possible.
