Why We Celebrate Pan-American Day in Belize

Formerly known as Columbus Day, Pan-American Day takes place on October 12th every year in Belize. What began as a commemoration of Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the Americas is now feted as one of Belize’s national holidays. Belizeans prefer not to celebrate Christopher Columbus Day because they have enough of their own to celebrate gorgeous natural environments, including coral reefs, rainforests, and mangroves, a wealth of cultural influences, and the preservation of the traditional lifestyle alongside the growing tourism industry. Today is the day we celebrate our ancestors with dancing and parties.