As Belize City prepares to celebrate St. George’s Caye Day on September 10, the St. George’s Caye Association is bringing back a beloved tradition while expanding the annual parade to include even more of the community.
On Open Your Eyes, Samson Jacobs, Treasurer of the St. George’s Caye Association, and Albert Pandy, the 2025 Senior Champion for Best Decorated Bicycle, shared details about this year’s celebrations and the return of the annual bicycle competition.
Jacobs explained that this year’s parade will feature marching bands, government departments, NGOs, schools, and churches, making it a larger celebration of Belizean pride and community participation.
Bringing Back the Bicycle Race
One of the major highlights this year is the revival of the bicycle race and decorated bicycle competition, a tradition that has played a role in Belize’s September celebrations over the years.
Jacobs said the goal is not only to bring back an element of the parade’s history but also to encourage younger Belizeans to embrace creativity, national pride, and their connection to Belizean traditions.
This year’s cycling race is being held in honor of the late Louis Tony Leslie and recently deceased association president Evelyn Singleton, recognizing their contributions and keeping their memories connected to the celebration.
Creativity on Two Wheels
For Albert Pandy, the bicycle competition is about much more than decorating a bicycle. The Georgeville, Cayo District resident has spent years creating unique bicycles and bringing his designs to Belize City for the September 10 celebrations.
Pandy explained that his passion began with the idea of creating bicycles that children would enjoy seeing. Since then, he has continued developing increasingly creative designs, often building and decorating the bicycles himself.
His creations have included an ambulance-inspired bicycle called “Barbalance”, while this year he is showcasing a bicycle featuring a 3D Coat of Arms.
A Wooden Bicycle Takes Center Stage
Among the bicycles showcased on Open Your Eyes was a unique creation made from approximately 90% wood.
Pandy explained that the bicycle, named “Tapir,” was built by cyclist Eric Williams Jr. and designed to resemble Belize’s national animal. Its structure allows the bicycle to bend and move in a way inspired by the movement of a tapir.
The unusual bicycle is another example of the creativity and craftsmanship that participants bring to the competition each year.
Keeping the Tradition Alive
Both guests emphasized the importance of passing the tradition on to younger generations.
Pandy spoke about sharing his knowledge of painting, decorating, and building bicycles with young people, while Jacobs described his participation as a way of preserving Belizean traditions and giving back to the country.
For Jacobs, the motivation is not financial. He said his involvement comes from his love for Belize and a desire to keep the legacy of the September 10 celebrations alive.
The parade itself is also intended to be inclusive, with Jacobs describing it as a “citizens’ parade” where Belizeans can participate regardless of political affiliation.
Registration, Judging and Prizes
Those interested in participating in the decorated bicycle competition can still register on September 10 when they arrive with their bicycles.
Preliminary judging will take place before the parade, with participants then travelling from the Cultural Centre to Memorial Park.
The competition will feature first, second and third-place prizes, as well as recognition for the youngest and oldest riders. Cash prizes will be awarded, with the funds distributed through the Belize City Council.
Participants will be judged on elements including how well their bicycles reflect the theme and the overall patriotic presentation, with the decorations also expected to remain intact throughout the parade.
Celebrating Belize Through Tradition
With an expanded parade, returning bicycle competition, creative displays, and participation from organizations across the city, this year’s St. George’s Caye Day celebrations are bringing together generations of Belizeans.
For Jacobs and Pandy, the September 10 parade represents more than a yearly event—it is an opportunity to celebrate Belizean identity, creativity, community, and traditions while encouraging younger generations to carry them forward.
