Living in Belize for nine months, I have been to my fair share of birthday parties and celebrations. I was even lucky enough to have my first host family throw me a little birthday celebration back in June, when I had known them for less then two months! Birthdays are a big deal here, and families like to have large celebrations and show their love for their family members and friends. Birthday celebrations in Belize range from lighting fireworks outside windows to wake you up, all the way to piñatas and many family photos!
I learned about the birthday traditions in two Spanish-speaking villages in Belize. The first was the village called Valley of Peace, where I spent my first three months and celebrated my 23rd birthday. The second was Cowpen, where I currently live, and recently was a part of my current host parent's grandson's first birthday party!
The tradition that surprised me the most was the firecrackers outside my door to wake me up. I was not expecting them so bright and early. At 6 a.m., I heard loud bangs and almost fell out of my hammock! I was half asleep and opened my door to see my entire host family smiling and wishing me a happy birthday with hugs and even more firecrackers. They had also surprised me with decorations, too. Every birthday party here is loaded with balloons, streamers and nice backdrops for photos!
