For many of our North American friends, October is synonymous with the arrival of fall, the excitement of costumes for the big Halloween party, and a fun night of trick-or-treating. However, for the Mestizo community in northern and western Belize, October is when we come together for the traditional celebration of ‘Los Finados.’ This celebration honors loved ones who have departed to the other world and is a time of unity and shared remembrance.
Los Finados (also called Dia de los Muertos or Hanal Pixan) is the religious commemoration of the visit of the faithfully departed souls to their homes. The tradition extends to November 1st, which embraces departed infants and young children, called Dia de los Angelitos. November 2nd is Dia de los Muertos, which honors adults who have died. Each night, altars or tables are arranged with the deceased’s favorite foods, treats, and beverages as the rising steam from the foods is believed to invoke their spirits.
This tradition of remembering and honoring the dead, which stems from the Maya belief in life after death, is a testament to the continuity of our culture. This culture is still practiced in Belize and has become a popular event. This tradition is mainly celebrated in the Corozal and Orange Walk District and certain areas of the Cayo District, like Benque Viejo Del Carmen. However, practitioners of the Roman Catholic faith in San Pedro also observe this tradition.
In Maya-Mestizo culture, it is believed that the deceased can visit the living in October. This belief in the afterlife is deeply rooted in the Maya culture, which is why the living holds a farewell party called ‘Los Finados’ (roughly translates to ‘the final’) to mark the end of the visit. Homes feature decorated altars with candles to guide the spirits back to the underworld and photos of departed loved ones. Traditional offerings such as atole (a corn porridge), tamales, relleno negro, and the deceased’s favorite foods are placed on the altar. Items like rum or cigarettes, if enjoyed by the departed, are also presented as a symbolic gesture. A procession from the church or home to the cemetery takes place. Wreaths and candles are laid, and the prepared food is presented to guide the souls back to the cemetery.
Celebrating death is an integral part of the Belizean culture, rooted in tradition and love for family. The ‘Los Finados’ celebration is a personal remembrance and a communal event that brings people together to honor their departed loved ones.
But we also have some Halloween fun not to be missed!
In San Pedro Town, Halloween is a time for lighthearted fun with trick-or-treating and themed parties. One of the most enjoyable events is Saga’s Halloween Spooktacular, a fundraising event for San Pedro’s local Humane Society. The event features a Halloween pet costume contest and party that the whole family can enjoy while supporting the island’s most vulnerable animals. Saga’s Halloween Spooktacular Party takes place on the last Sunday of October. For more details, visit www.facebook.com/SagaHumaneSociety/.
Island bars also hold Halloween parties, where people showcase their creativity and have great fun wearing elaborate costumes. The biggest party, undoubtedly, is the iconic Holiday Hotel Halloween Bash. It takes place on the Saturday closest to October 31st and is held at its restaurant, La San Pedrana. The anticipated event is considered the largest in the country, featuring islanders and visitors dressed in various creative costumes that will surely inspire
