Posted: Monday, October 10, 2016. 1:13 p.m. CST.
By BBN Staff:Annually, October 12 is a public and bank holiday. It was originally known as Columbus day.
Today, commemorated as Pan American day, it is a celebration of the migrations of the Mestizos and indigenous cultural groups from the Yucatan into Belize, creating the country we know today.
Traditionally, Columbus Day commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the New World on October 12, 1492.
This was a contentious celebration because it awakened Europeans to a part of the world, with his discovery and leading to many culture clashes and wars as the Europeans moved in.
Belize chose to celebrate the forging of rich cultural diversity rather than the achievements of Columbus. The Mestizos and Yucatec Maya came to Belize looking for a calm and peaceful land, free from conflict where they could settle.
Today, this celebration in Belize honor how much Belize appreciate and respect all cultures as it has Garifuna, Mennonites, Lebanese and Chinese cultures.
© 2016, www.breakingbelizenews.com. This article is the copyrighted property of Breaking Belize News. Written permission must be obtained before reprint in online or print media. REPRINTING CONTENT WITHOUT PERMISSION AND/OR PAYMENT IS THEFT AND PUNISHABLE BY LAW.
Under Post Ads
