The 10th of September in Belize commemorates the celebration of the Battle of St. George’s Caye Day. Observed as a Public and Bank Holiday in Belize, St. George’s Caye Day is a day to pay dues to the Baymen that defended St. George’s Caye in 1798. The battle took place from the 3rd to the 10th of September as the Spaniards attempted to expel the local settlers, our Baymen, from the tiny caye off the coast of British Honduras (today, Belize).

St. George's Caye 4
Alongside slaves, the Baymen defended their territory from Spain’s claim. The residents defended the land and successfully blocked every attempt of the Spanish ships to penetrate the territory.

St. George's Caye 6

On the final day, September 10th, the battle resulted in the retreat of the Spaniards as they were unable to properly navigate through our channels and ravished by sickness.

St. George's Caye 1
The Spaniard fleet was led by Commander Don Arturo O’Niell Tirone while Commander John Moss and Thomas Barrow led the Baymen and slaves to victory.

 

 

The battle saw no casualties.

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About the Author: Tamara Sniffin

I’m a sucker for a fuzzy face, a feathered face, a face with fins or even one with scales! I am in love with the creatures and the flora that are synonymous with Belize and every opportunity I have to learn more about them and explore their wild habitats I am there! I’m the happiest when I’m snorkeling the reef and swimming with turtles, however my passion is not just limited to critters! Laced throughout this compact jungle gem of a country live the Kriol, Maya, Garifuna, Mestizo and Spanish people, and experiencing each culture, especially their celebrations is one of my favorite pastimes.

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