Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture
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Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture
All the positive news and events from Cayo, with a special focus on culture, past, present, and future.
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Central Bank Issues Maya Mythical Coins

Central Bank Issues Maya Mythical Coins | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

The Central Bank of Belize is going to have special 2012 coins made for collectors, and they are going to be worth more than just a dollar.  Does that say $250?

 

"The front of the coin displays drawings from the Hokeb Ha vase depicting the hero twins described in the Popol Vuh (Maya sacred book).  The hero twins are in conversation, dressed simply in kilts, necklaces, ear flares and featured white cloth headdresses.  The glyphs in the centre of the figures represent the Maya Mythical ‘End of the World’ date.  This date, according to archaeologists, completes a ‘great cycle’ of 13 baktuns (periods of 144,000 days each) since the mythical creation date of the pre-Columbian Maya calendar.  The back of the coins depicts the Jade Head discovered in a large tomb at Altun Ha, a Maya archaeological site.  This tomb housed the remains of an elderly adult believed to be an elite ruler during his lifetime.  For the Mayas, jade was the most prized of all stones.  The Jade Head remains the largest single carved object yet discovered in the Mundo Maya (Maya World).  This exquisite carving represents the Maya sun god, Kinich Ahau, one of the most important deities of the Maya pantheon.  The Jade Head, which became known as the Crown Jewel of Belize weights 9.75 pounds, stands almost 6 inches high, and is representative of an era between A.D. 600 and 650. "

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Chaa Creek's Maya Solstice Contest

Chaa Creek's Maya Solstice Contest | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Chaa Creek is doing a Maya Solstice Contest, and there's 9 days left to enter.  It's an essay contest, with the theme of 'Wy I want to experience the 2012 Maya Winter Solstice at Chaa Creek.'

 

"Belize’s The Lodge at Chaa Creek has just announced an exciting competition whose winners will usher in the Maya 2012 Winter Solstice by taking part in an extraordinary weeklong celebration to be held in the Heartland of the ancient Maya Empire.  The 'Ultimate Maya 2012 Winter Solstice Experience' contest is offering a double eight day/seven night all-inclusive Belize 2012 Maya Winter Solstice vacation package worth over US$4,600 to the competition winners."

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Belize Youth Awards Nominations

Belize Youth Awards Nominations | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Now is the time to nominate outstanding youths for the Belize Youth Awards.  Nominations can be made until September 3rd.  You can email them at yffbenque@gmail.com.  Good luck to all youths! 

 

"The Belize Youth Award is a prestigious national honor bestowed on outstanding young Belizeans from age 15 to 29 who demonstrated high standards of achievement and commitment within their various fields.  The categories are: Sports, medial, Citizenship, Arts and Culture, Mentally and Physically Challenged, Youth Ministers Entrepreneurship and Academic Excellence.  The nominees come from all districts across the country.  The targeted age cohort is representative of the group for which programs are planned and implemented by the Youth Department of Belize also known as Youth for the Future."

 

Nomination form:  https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BxVpwCISfz8aM3RtX2FQU004SkU

K.I.R.M. God is Business " From Day One"'s curator insight, June 26, 2018 11:46 AM

Partnering building a better life. Youth Partnership 

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Belize is Best Dressed in Opening Ceremonies

Belize is Best Dressed in Opening Ceremonies | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Belize made the top 10 list for being best dressed at the Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics.  The article starts with the top 10 worst dressed countries, and is pretty funny.  

 

"The contrasting piping on the blazer sets this jacket off.  The tie, the jacket, the pants and the shoes are all a great combination.  I could do without the hat."

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Kurse a di Xtabai Receives Attention

Kurse a di Xtabai Receives Attention | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Kurse a di Xtabai, which was filmed in Cayo by Make-Belize Films, is getting mentioned quite a bit in articles about this year's Belize Film Festival.  

 

"For the very first time, the festival was opened by a feature length Belizean made film titled “2012: Kurse A Di Xtabai” produced by Make-Belize Films.  Directed by Canadian Matthiew Klinck, the movie showcases an all Belizean cast starring Nehanda Higinio, Jim Arnold, and Robert Grieg and was filmed entirely on location in Belize and in Belize Creole."

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BTB Tourism Report for January through May

BTB Tourism Report for January through May | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

The Belize Tourism Board have released their tourism number for January through May of 2012.  The numbers are up.

 

"In January 2012, there were a record number of arrivals, which totaled 18,558 visitors. This represented a 10.47% increase in arrivals in January, which was immediately followed by a record high in arrivals for the month of February.  In fact, February saw 20,450 overnight visitors through the airport. This was represented by a 12.6% increase over February last year.  The consistent growth continued in March, which saw 25,982 visitors and that total surpassed the March 2007 arrival record of 25,195visitors.  April 2012 was also a favorable month with a total of 17,969 visitors, marking a 7.8% increase when compared to April 2011.  Records were broken yet again in the month of May, which had a total figure of 17150 visitors, presented an overwhelming 20.3% increase over the previous year." 

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Cayo Mentioned in 2 'Top' Lists.

Cayo Mentioned in 2 'Top' Lists. | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Cayo just got mentioned in a couple of 'top' lists.  Joshua Berman has Cayo on his 'Top 5 places to watch it all go down' list, in honour of 2012.  He says that Cayo 'also boasts the best selection of jungle lodges anywhere in Central America, including many small, off-grid eco-resorts on the upper Macal,' and mentions the Lodge at Chaa Creek, and their special tours for 2012.  He then says that 'there is a large event planned for Dec. 21, 2012 at Xunantunich archaeological site, and special solstice camping permits are being issued at Caracol.'  http://www.salon.com/2012/06/12/end_of_the_world/singleton/

 

Travel Agent Central has Cayo's tree houses at number 6 of the top 10 Summer 2012 destinations.  They say that Belize is 'offering caving and kayaking, snorkeling and diving, tours of ancient ruins and zipline tours, naturalist eco tours, and journeys on horseback,' most of which are also in Cayo, and specifically mentions Caves Branch.

 

 

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Kurse a di Xtabai at Belize Film Festival

Kurse a di Xtabai at Belize Film Festival | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Kurse a di Xtabai will be premiering on July 13th at the Belize Film Festival.  We had the opportunity to see Matthew Klink's thriller last night, and it's a winner.  Funny, scary, and witty - the 'Hollywood' quote is hilarious - it's bound to score Make Belize Films the 1st place.  They've decided to move the BFF back to the city, so we'll just say, "good luck with that, and better luck next year." 

 

https://www.facebook.com/2012KurseADiXtabai
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI2OSLIX3iQ

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Benque Movie Night: 2012 The Mayan Word

Benque Movie Night: 2012 The Mayan Word | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

The Benque House of Culture is doing another movie night tonight.  They'll be showing 2012 The Mayan Word at 7:30 tonight.  Kudos to the Benque HoC for all the outstanding events they've done lately!

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2012: Kurse a di Xtabai trailer

They've named the movie that was shot all around Cayo, and locally at SHJC.  2012: Kurse a di Xtabai.  Here's the trailer.  

 

"First feature-length supernatural thriller produced entirely in Belize in Kriol!  Make-Belize Films. Stay tuned for more..."

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Earth Hour 2012 - March 31st, from 8:30 to 9:30

Earth Hour 2012 - March 31st, from 8:30 to 9:30 | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Earth Hour 2012 is tomorrow!  The Ambergris Today has a good article on it.

 

"Earth Hour 2012 is the moment for collective efforts to shine by taking action in daily and community life to reduce negative impact in the planet and climate.

Earth Hour 2012 is the moment to for businesses and organization to stand up to their responsibility to avoid waste and being responsible resource users, caring for water and air.

Earth Hour 2012 is the moment for citizens and governments to take specific and real actions to face the climate crisis and the challenges of living in one planet.

WWF invites all Earth Hour friends in Belize and Central America to take leadership for Earth Hour 2012 organizing your own celebrations in your neighborhood, workplace, college, university, community and city.

On March 31, 2012, join in and turn your lights off from 8:30p.m to 9:30 pm."

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Vernal Equinox at Caracol picture album

Vernal Equinox at Caracol picture album | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Pictures of the Caracol camping trip for the Vernal Equinox.  Many great pictures.  Caracol's Observatory lit up with tiki torches just before dawn looks really cool.

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Caracol's Vernal Equinox Celebration pictures

Caracol's Vernal Equinox Celebration pictures | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

The Institute of Archaeology posted some pictures of the festivities going on at Caracol.  Dr. Jaime Awe was there to share some knowledge.  Looks like there was a full day of fun.

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How To Be a Tourist in Your Own Country

How To Be a Tourist in Your Own Country | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Here's a great entry from a local Belizean for Chaa Creek's 2012 Maya Winter Solstice competition.  There is still a week to send in your entry.  Well, done, Alberto Matus!

 

"It’s important that we all realize that being a tourist in one’s own community increases awareness about lesser-known sites, arts, culture, and economic development strategies, as well as demonstrates that our country holds myriad local gems 'right under our noses'.  Our jewel is invaluable, as locals we need to start exploring at the same time conserving our natural beauty and resources. As active citizens we must adapt Eco approaches like Chaa Creek, invite and share our beauty with guests from other countries."

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National Sports Fest 2012

National Sports Fest 2012 | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

The Department of Youth Services is having their National Sports Fest.  The tounament includes volleyball, football, and basketball.  The registration deadline is October 8th.  Teams that win will proceed to nationals.  For more info, call 663-5050.  Good luck! 

 

"The National Sports Fest 2012 will be held in Benque from the 12 through the 14th.  Register your team today!  Only the first four teams to register get to compete."

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Tourism Industry Sees Outstanding 2012

Tourism Industry Sees Outstanding 2012 | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

It's been a great year for the tourism industry.  There have been more overnight stays and less cruisers, which is great news.  This explains why there have been so many articles about Cayo around the web.  It also accounts for the many new reviews about businesses in Cayo, and why there are more pictures of local ruins like Xunantunich and Caracol permeating the cloud.  Just don't drop the camera on a artifact at ATM.

 

"Overall, there was a 13.8% increase in overall arrivals through the first half of 2012, which indicates very strong growth despite going into the slow season of the tourism calendar.  In all, Belize’s tourism industry is showing remarkable signs of growth and it continues to set new records during 2012."

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National Song Competition Extended

National Song Competition Extended | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

They've extended the deadline for entries for the National Song Competition.  You now have until August 10th.  You could win up to $4000.  The September Celebrations are right around the corner.  Call 227-2110 for more information.  Good luck!

 

http://www.mynationalsong.bz

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Cayo Christian Academy Graduation

Cayo Christian Academy Graduation | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

The Cayo Christian Academy graduated their class of 2012.  Congratulations to all the happy graduates!

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Many Faces, Many Dreams, One Goal

Many Faces, Many Dreams, One Goal | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

The National Celebration Commission has picked the winner for this year's theme for the 2012 September Celebrations.  Ms. Emogeen Ramclam won $1000 for having the theme that was picked from over 195 entries.  Congratulations!

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The Making of 2012: Kurse a di Xtabai.

Trailer for the documentary about the making of 2012: Kurse a di Xtabai.  Spooky.  The perfectly fitting music is from a local artist, Rick Calvez, who goes by 'The Nudist."  Daniel Velazquez has done quite a few documentaries in Belize, so while the movie is good, the documentary will be spectacular.

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Belize Youth Awards 2012

Belize Youth Awards 2012 | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Youth for the Future Belize is accepting nominations for this year's Belize Youth Awards.  Nominations can be made until August 3rd.  There are a wide range of awards from which to choose, including Youth is Sports, Youth in Media, and Youth in Agriculture.  YFF Belize is located in Benque, in the town hall.

 

"The Belize National Youth Award 2012 Nomination Forms now available at all the Department of Youth Services/Youth for the Future offices nationally!
Nominate someone today!
Nomination deadline: August 3, 2012"

 

https://www.facebook.com/youth.for.the.future

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National Agriculture and Trade Show pictures

National Agriculture and Trade Show pictures | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Beltraide posted quite a few pictures from Agric.  Read about how they provided Rainforest Haven and Rumors Resort their booth space.

 

"BELTRAIDE subsidized its booth to Rainforest Haven Inn and Rumors Resort Hotel, providing them with exposure, and allowing them to apply what they learned in the workshop.  Giveaways, raffles, and games formed part of the weekend. Visitors to the booth stemmed from individuals who are planning to open a business, to businesspeople, and regular visitors who were simply interested to hear and see what the Inns had to offer."

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2012 Mayan Calendar from Orange Walk

2012 Mayan Calendar from Orange Walk | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

The Banquitas House of Culture has posted their 2012 Calendar, and it features local ladies, and many of the most famous Belizean Mayan ruins.  Xunantunich and Caracol are both featured as backdrops for the calendar.

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"Mayan Equinox Celebrations Mark the Beginning of Spring"

"Mayan Equinox Celebrations Mark the Beginning of Spring" | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

The major media outlets have picked up on the Caracol Vernal Equinox camping story.  There are some really nice high res pictures in this article.

 

"Sixty people from Belize, Canada, and the United States traveled over rutted dirt roads to a Mayan site in Belize for the opportunity to camp overnight in the shadow of the centuries-old structures that were first discovered by loggers in the 1930s.  The events at Caracol were held to celebrate the beginning of spring, or the spring equinox, a time when the Earth's axis is tilted neither toward or away from the sun because the center of the sun is in the same plane as the equator.  As a result, night and day are of equal length.  As the Maya developed their calendar around solar cycles, the observation of the equinox, with special rites and rituals, has long been part of their cultural traditions."

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The Equinox At Caracol

The Equinox At Caracol | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Channel 7 interviewed Dr. Jaime Awe about the Caracol camping trip for the Vernal Equinox.

 

"One of those ideas of mine was why not celebrate the solstice and the equinox up at one of the archaeological sites, and the reason for that is that 2012 is all about the end of a cycle, and the start of another, and so the solstices and equinox are cycles of time. By doing this event here, I felt that it was going to be unique, special, and authentic. And then, to combine the native priests doing their ceremonies in the morning, for me, the number one purpose of this is to make not just Belizeans, but they world become aware of Belize's Maya heritage. And I think that I may have said to you before that I think this heritage belongs to the people of the world, not just for Belizeans. I feel privileged that we in Belize are custodians of this human past, and it's a great past. The Maya developed this civilization that equal to all the great civilizations of the world, and so for me it's bringing that awareness, not just to Belize, to everybody. All our information about 2012 indicated that it was going to be the end of this great cycle, very much like the year 2000, which you know, we did a lot of 'hoopla' about it. You remember, you know - people saying that the computers are going to crash, and this going to happen, get your money out of the banks. And at the end what happened was that we ended this millennia and started the next one. And so, I said, 'Guess what, to the Maya the world was going to, it was going to be the end of this cycle, and then, it would start again."

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