We often travel during the Easter break. A few years back we were vacationing in Ambergris Caye, Belize on Good Friday. Good Friday is a religious holiday observed primarily by Christians all over the world. On this trip I learned one of traditions of those living here in Belize.
On Good Friday most business are closed and there is no serving of any alcohol until after sundown. I heard a mass was being held in town at 2:00pm followed by a procession re-enacting the death of Jesus Christ, and then a celebration. We were staying at Journey’s End which was just outside of town. There are a couple of ways to get to town, by foot, bike, golf cart, or the fastest water taxi. Today I choose the water taxi. Some of the waitress from the hotel were going to mass and I asked to join them.
San Pedro is the largest town on Ambergris Caye with about only a couple thousand people living there. Once we arrived in town it was easy to find the Roman Catholic Church as its right next to the ocean plus everyone was heading there. The church was full with standing room only. The mass was mostly in Spanish with some English, making it very hard for me to understand. A few things I did find really interesting. Not everyone stayed for the whole mass which lasted until 5:30, me included. Most people came and went. There were even a few dogs who wondered in from time to time. Towards the end they brought out the a statue of Jesus Christ and everyone took turns going up to kiss it.
Once the service was over the Procession begins. The person leading the procession holds the Crucifix & walks very slowly though the streets of town. The rest of congregation is divided into groups led first by children and followed by teenage girls, women and lastly, the men. The young ladies take turns carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary while the men carry a casket (symbolizing the death of Christ). A Choir sings hymns and they chant prayers. My family met me in town after mass and my daughter and I joined in the procession. It was very reverend with no conversations. We walked the whole town which took about an hour and half.
Once it was over the mood changed to a festive one. The restrictions were lifted. Families gathered, celebrating, and many going into the restaurants (now open) for dinner. We went to Fido’s Restaurant, which was located next to the church for a few drinks and some appetizers http://www.fidosbelize.com .
For dinner we went to the famous Eliv’s Kitchen. We dine on Mayan fish and Eliv’s famous fried Chicken. It was real home cooking and delicious.
For dinner we went to the famous Eliv’s Kitchen. We dine on Mayan fish and Eliv’s famous fried Chicken. It was real home cooking and delicious.
It was wonderful to experience and be part of this tradition that means so much to the people of San Pedro.
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