Following the COVID-19 regulations, island Catholics honoured their Patron Saint Peter on Tuesday, June 29th, in the annual celebration of El Dia de San Pedro. Each year the special event includes the traditional fishermen’s mass and the blessing of their boats, along with a boat and street procession.
Father Scott Giuliani led the religious service and blessed the vessels to be used in the coming fishing season. The special day began around 4AM with the fisherman’s mass and then followed by breakfast. This year, the new San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) administration, headed by Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez, served breakfast to the fishermen and guides present. “As we look back at our history, we recognize that we are no longer a small fishing settlement, but one of the leading tourist destinations in our Jewel, Belize,” said the SPTC. “We remember the vision of our forefathers, and we commend the ingenuity of the children born from the “San Pedro Dream.” There is no San Pedro without the inclusion of our diverse community of residents. Those who have dedicated their lives to the development and growth of our island; the entrepreneurs, the risk-takers, the resilient and determined residents that contribute positively to San Pedro.”
Afterward, a boat procession departed from the Municipal Dock, heading to the Embarcadero (docking site) on the lagoon side. There, Father Giuliani blessed the vessels and a parade began towards the Catholic Church by the Central Park. An outdoor mass will be held at 6PM at Central Park, followed by a golf cart procession. Everyone is invited to decorate their golf carts with the church’s patron’s colours, red and green. Face masks must be worn during the procession.
We wish every islander a feliz Dia de San Pedro. A BIG thank you to the San Pedro Catholic Church for keeping the tradition alive!
Photos courtesy of the San Pedro Town Council
 on the lagoon side. There Father Giuliani blesses the vessels and a parade began towards the Catholic Church by the Central Park.){kind=link}