Pan American Day is a significant holiday observed in Belize, celebrating the multi-national ties between all the nations in the Americas. This holiday, held annually on October 12th, was originally known as Columbus Day, as it marks the day that Christopher Columbus first set foot in the New World. However, over the years, its focus has shifted to a broader celebration of the cultural and historical ties among the nations of the Americas.
Belize declared Pan American Day as a public holiday in 2002 as the country wanted to pay tribute to the indigenous, mixed race, and African roots of the Belizean people and other cultures in Central and South America. The holiday is an opportunity for individuals in Belize to unite and tease out the many threads of their culture that connect them with the rest of the Americas. These celebrations involve colourful parades, street parties, cultural exhibitions and traditional music and dances.
Moreover, Pan American Day signifies the importance of unity among the countries in the Americas. It is a testament to recognizing shared history while simultaneously respecting countries' individual cultures and identities. The celebrations of Pan American Day further foster relationships and cultural exchanges among people of diverse backgrounds and ethnicity. This observance provides a valuable opportunity for Belizeans and other people of the Americas to learn from each other, promoting peace and mutual respect.