September 10th: The Fight That Forged a Nation

We all know September in Belize is full of color, music, and pride, but do you know why September Tenth is such a big deal? It all goes back to 1798, when a small band of Baymen and enslaved Africans stood shoulder to shoulder on the waters off St. George’s Caye. For an entire week, they faced down a Spanish fleet, and on that final day, September Tenth, they secured a victory that shaped the Belize we know today. Tonight, on Belize on Reel, we take you inside the celebrations, the history, and the traditions that keep this story alive.

 

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

We all know the Battle of St. George’s Caye is a big deal in our country’s history, but did you know the fight actually stretched over an entire week? That’s right, from September 3rd to the 10th back in 1798. But it’s that final showdown on September 10th that we celebrate, the day Belizean defenders stood their ground and secured victory. It cemented Britain’s hold on this territory and set the stage for what would eventually become British Honduras… the Belize we know today.

 

Eluide Miller, Director, NICH

“Two hundred and twenty-seven years ago, on the waters off St. George’s Caye, a small band of Baymen and enslaved Africans stood side by side to defend a land that they believed in. A future they could not yet see, but one they were willing to fight for. They faced an empire, they faced uncertainty, they faced odds that, by all logic, should have broken them, but they did not break. They stood firm, they resisted and they won.”

 

These celebrations go way beyond a single day, they’re part of our big September Celebrations, which all lead up to Independence Day on the 21st. You know the vibe: colorful parades with floats, music pumping, dancers in full swing. Plus, there are educational events to remind us why this history matters, and plenty of traditional Belizean music and dance to keep the culture alive.

 

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Culture

“This year is the 227^th anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye. For Belizeans at home and across the diaspora, September is a month of celebrations, a month of festivities, a month of culture and carnival, a month of pride and patriotism. On September first, we observed National Flag Day, proudly raising, flying and waving our Belizean flag. On September third, we presented the Creative and Cultural Excellence Awards to eight outstanding Belizeans who are working to protect, preserve and promote our culture and history.”

 

And let’s not forget the pageantry, the crowning of the Queen of the Bay is always a showstopper, and those military displays? They add that extra touch of tradition and pride to the celebrations.

 

Ray Gongora, Town Crier

“Hear ye, Hear ye, whereas the reigning Queen of the Bay, Diannie Laing, the graceful, having decided to relinquish her throne and lay down the crown and scepter of the Bay, dated August 30^th, 2025 at the Belize City Civic Center with the advice and counsel of Queen Lynette Daniels, Queen Ronnie Coye, Mr. Evondale Baptist, Queen Karen Russell, Queen Amanda Taylor, who being persons of excellent taste sound mind and with knowledge of beauty, charm and intelligence did choose and name as her successor, Samantha Ramirez, the charming, to the joy of  the people of the Bay.”

 

Here’s a fun fact, St. George’s Caye isn’t just any island. Sitting just off the coast of Belize City, it’s a National Historical Landmark and, believe it or not, it was once Belize’s very first capital. Isani Cayetano for News Five.