Belize Launches Fiftieth Carnival Anniversary Magazine

As Belize gears up to celebrate forty-four years of independence, there’s another milestone lighting up the season, Carnival is turning fifty. That’s right, even before Belize became a nation, Carnival was already bringing rhythm, color, and energy to the streets. And this year, the Belize Carnival Association is marking its golden anniversary in style. To celebrate, they’re launching Carnival Gold: The Fiftieth Anniversary Magazine, a vibrant look back at Carnival’s journey, from its grassroots beginnings to the spectacular showcase it is today. And that’s not all, two brand-new songs have been commissioned by the National Celebrations Committee to add even more flair to the festivities. We caught up with the artists behind the music to hear how they’re bringing their vision to life on stage.

 

TR Shine, Singer

“I was commissioned by the National Carnival Commission actually to get this done. And I’ve been working tirelessly in the studio trying to get that same nostalgic that I brought when I brought McCauley and all of them songs like that. So I really wanted to evoke that type of vibe that I brought back then into this song right here. Speaking about the fiftieth anniversary, it’s so great for me to be a part of this carnival every time I’m being the king for Belize Soca right. The guys out ther, all masquerader, all the bands, unu done know weh fi do with this one ya. Show them your colors. Every design, show every detail, unu don’t know.”

 

Ernestine Carballo, Singer

“I love carnival and I love my nation so very much. I love the people. Kim Vasquez came to me and she Ernestine, this our fifty years anniversary of carnival, and the theme is stronger together, rising forever, Belize at forty-four. So I said, you know what, I’ll have to focus on the theme as well as on the band leaders. That is why if you listen to the song, you will hear stronger together, rising forever. We’re fifty years on the roads. We carnival please don’t let me go. Stronger together, rising forever, masquerading in the streets, spreading love through the whole country. Look how far we come, and we’re still going strong. Jamming all night and day to put costumes on display. King and queen come into life, feeler energy, catch the vibe, leave your stress all behind. It’s time to celebrate.”