Volume 26 | March 2017
The

Consulate of Belize

in Flor ida
Newsletter

 

Blissful morning at Turtle Inn, Placencia Belize      
Hon. Consul General's 
Monthly Message

Welcome to our monthly newsletter, where we bring you human interest stories, current events and information on Belize!
The Consulate of Belize in Florida is proud to announce that in addition to processing Belizean Passports and Emergency Travel Documents, it is now issuing Identification Cards, facilitating many Belizeans living in Florida with the opportunity to hold an official ID from Belize. Acceptance of these cards at U.S. offices and other institutions, however, depends on their discretion.  
UPDATE: Due to  unforeseen technical issues with the passport machine in Belize, missions and consulates of Belize abroad are not processing new passport applications at this time until further notice. Please contact us for more information.

Enjoy reading about our Belizean Star of the Month!  If you are aware of a Belizean residing in the United States who is making a positive impact on the lives of others while contributing to their native country, please submit their story to us so that we may feature them in our newsletter. 

Please remember to share with us your contact information so that you can be abreast of all the updates and news on Belize. Visit our
Janine Sylvestre Vega
Hon. Consul General of Belize  in Florida
Trade Representative of Belize in Florida
website at www.belizeconsulflorida and register!


See & Taste Belize News 2017!

See & Taste Belize, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help build a healthier and happier life for the children of Belize by inspiring hope and contributing to the well-being of these children by improving their health, education and living conditions through charitable projects and fundraisers. See & Taste Belize, Inc. was established in 2015 with the aim of giving back to the Belizean community while showcasing Belize's art, culture and cuisine. The See & Taste Belize annual festival will feature top artists and chefs from Belize, in addition to providing the best of Belize's entertainment. See & Taste Belize, Inc. is approaching its second major fundraising event, See & Taste Belize 2017, which will benefit The Inspiration Center in Belize.
  
If you are interested in being a sponsor please contact us at 305-503-5741 or [email protected]

                                                                                                    CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!!!
                 

5 Things to do in Belize this Easter 2017
     

Easter is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Belize due to the fact that more than 80% of Belizeans are Christians. It is a time when a lot of Belizeans are off from work and school and travel around the countryside to enjoy Belize's beauty.
Not only is the weather perfect on Easter, but it is also a good time to go diving with whale sharks, snorkeling in the turquoise waters of the pristine Barrier Reef, as well as exploring the famous Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave or even climbing Xunantunich Maya Temples.
Many travelers also head to Placencia in Southern Belize to relax on the white sandy beaches or visit San Ignacio Town to watch the Cross Country Cycling Race - the biggest sporting event on Holy Saturday.
If you are looking for ideas or things to do in Belize this Easter, here are 5 things to consider:


Watch the Cross-Country Cycling Race
The Cross Country Cycling Race is a one day cycling race that is held every Easter on Holy Saturday in Belize. It is the biggest cycling event in the country with an estimated distance of some 140 miles. The race has been going since 1928 and its origin has roots in the colonial era when Belizeans had to cycle from village to village to watch sporting events like cricket and football matches.
This upcoming Easter, it will be the 87th anniversary of the race and it will be fun and exciting to watch it in San Ignacio Town.



Visit Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave
The ATM Cave is one of the most popular tours in Belize and visitors to this cave attest that the experience is not only breathtaking but also one of a kind. The cave is located in the karstic limestone terrain of Roaring Creek Valley in Cayo and is approximately 5 km long and contains a perennial stream that runs through it including a ledge with two stelae and a large chamber full of intact human remains and Maya pots.
According to Jaime Awe, Director of Archaeology in Belize, the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave was a sacred place to the Maya who utilized the cave during the classic period AD 250-909.
This Easter Break is a good chance to explore and learn more about the remarkable history of this cave.

Dive or Snorkel with Whale Sharks
Easter Break is an excellent time to snorkel or dive with the magnificent whale sharks at the Gladden Spit Marine Reserve near Placencia Belize. The giant whale sharks are attracted to this reserve by the spawn of the mutton and cuberra snapper which they enjoy eating.
For those who do not know, the whale sharks are the largest fish in the world and one of the largest creatures of any kind alive today. Despite their size, whale sharks are remarkably gentle and curious and thus swimming with them is a special treat for divers and snorkelers.

Spend a weekend in Placencia
Placencia was recently nominated as one of the best beach destinations in the Caribbean by Turopia, a popular travel blog in the world and is an ideal eco-destination to enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, deep sea fishing, diving and even exploring Maya ruins.
There are fabulous luxury resorts like Chabil Mar that are located right on the beach and can serve as a base to explore the natural attractions in Placencia and surrounding areas.


Visit Xunantunich and Cahal Pech Maya Ruins in Cayo District
 
Xunantunich and Cahal Pech Maya Ruins are the most visited Maya sites in the Cayo District.
Xunantunich is located atop a ridge above the Mopan River and served as a Maya civic ceremonial center in the late terminal Classic periods to the Belize Valley region. Xunantunich's name means "stone woman" in the Maya language and "El Castillo", the largest pyramid offers an impressive and panoramic view of the area.
Cahal Pech is one of the oldest recognizably Maya sites in Belize that dates back as 1200BCE and was home to an elite Maya family. The site consists of 34 structures with the tallest temple being about 25 meters in height which is situated around a central acropolis.
According to archaeologists, the site was abandoned in the 9th center CE for unknown reasons.
Story By: cahalpech.com





WHAT'S TRENDING!
 
  Southwest Belize -Denver New Connection!
 

 
     

Belize Association of Florida Picnic at the Park
Celebrating  Belize's National Heroes and Benefactors Day
 
 Hon. Consul General, Mrs. Janine Sylvestre Vega with the newly elected President of the Belize Association of South Florida, Mrs. Esther Silva. The Consulate of Belize wishes her and her board best wishes and success during her term. We look forward to working with them for the benefit of Belize.
 


Belize Business Directory
"Thanks to our See and Taste Belize 2015 Sponsors Series"
Showcasing all our Sponsors for the next six months

GOLD SPONSORS
 
                        
 





          
 
SILVER SPONSORS
  
 




BRONZE SPONSORS



IN-KIND SPONSORS

                              
 

If you are interested in joining the Belize Business Directory Memership please contact us at 305-503-5741 or email us at [email protected]
                                      


Please support your local Belize Associations in your area.
-Belize Association of Central Florida www.facebook.com/BACFTampaBay
-Belize Association of Florida (South Florida)


 
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Landmark Beauty of the Month
Radisson Hotel (formerly Fort George Hotel)

The Lodge at Chaa Creek wins National Geographic World Legacy Award


Click the picture to read more!!!
  
   
     

"Pat di cuss kettle black"

  Meaning: Fault finders are full of faults themselves.
☼  Belize News 
☼ Beltraide 

 
Recipe of the Month
Belizean Wangla Sweet


8 oz brown sugar
2 oz water
8 oz toasted sesame seeds ...

METHOD:
1.Put sugar and water in a saucepan and cook until sugar caramelizes, turning a deep mahogany brown in color.

2.In a separate pan, lightly toast the sesame seeds to bring out their natural oils, releasing a nutty aroma.

3.Add the toasted sesame seeds to the caramelized sugar and pour onto a sheet tray or baking dish lined with parchment paper.

4. Let cool for 15 minutes and cut into desired shapes.

ENJOY!!

Photo : Ka'ana Resort, Belize

 
 
  




The Consulate of Belize in Florida 

1600 Ponce De Leon Blvd. Suite #904
Coral Gables FL 33134
T: (305) 755-0276  |  F: (305) 755-0277