Year of the Horse Celebrated with Belizean Flair

Chinese New Year isn’t just being celebrated half a world away; here in Belize, the holiday is unfolding with its own vibrant flare. As the Year of the Horse begins, Belizean‑Chinese families are filling homes and businesses with the pop of firecrackers, bright red decorations, and the kind of energy that turns tradition into a true community event. And while the Lunar New Year spans more than two weeks of food, family, and fortune‑seeking rituals, many Belizeans are already marking the day in personal ways. Among them is well‑known businessman Lee Mark Chang, who invited us in to share how he’s adding a Belizean touch to an age‑old celebration.

 

Lee Mark Chang, Owner, Chon San Palace

“I get  I get to do the regular new year, which is January first, and I get to do the Chinese New Year every year. So the more holiday, the better. Unfortunately that I still have to work. So I have a lot of customers who needs their Chon San fix. So I have to come to work on those two holidays. But yesterday was the Eve. Today is the actual New Year’s. New Year’s goes for nine days, and it’s a long weekend in the Asian countries. In Belize, it’s, you know, we try to make the most of what we have. Like today I’m going to have dinner with my parents, with my son and daughter, so we’re gonna have a family dinner. I believe that the Chinese Association have some celebration set up for this weekend. Sunday will be the big function. So I’m also going be there also and we’re catering for that function also. So it’s gonna be a nice buffet nine course meal.”

 

Britney Gordon

“So, as we know, you know, you’re a known face in Belize known among a lot of people. So everyone that comes here is celebrating with yo. What does it mean to you to be able to share this little bit of your culture with Belize here?”

 

Lee Mark Chang

“It’s good when you, when you have a lot of different, like, cultural traditions you know more, you see more, you eat more. You eat more for sure. And it  just, it’s just nice being different, you know? And one of the good things about this is that we are a melting pot, you know? And so we continue to melt.”

 

Watch the full newscast here: