Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

Happy birthday, Benque Viejo del Carmen!  Tomorrow is the big celebration, and they'll have a little fair at the Benque HoC starting at 2:30pm.  

"Golden Evenings, a fun filled evening of traditional games & artistic performances in celebration of the 111 Anniversary Celebration of the Foundation of Benque Viejo Del Carmen"

Congratulations Shelsee Hernandez, aka Srta. Frangipani, for winning the Señorita Flor de la Feria pageant!  The pageant also had performances by Grupo Folclorico de Casa de la Cultura de San Juan de dios and Orquidea Negra.  Let the Benque Fiesta begin.

"The 47th Benque Festival 2014 is a cultural extravaganza, showcasing the social and religious traditions of Belize’s Mestizo community; visit Cayo District’s Benque Viejo Del Carmen (July 7th – 20th), and get acquainted with all things Belize!"

Feelgood news of the day.  The Benque HoC teamed up with the Benque Marimba Academy on Earth Day to clean and paint Centennial Park.  Great way to spend Earth Day.

"Cleaning and beautifying the Centennial Park, as an act of our green initiative in celebration of Earth day in Benque Viejo Del Carmen by the Benque House of Culture (NICH) and the Benque Marimba Academy. "

The IDB is giving Belize a grant of over a million dollars to help with feasibility studies for improving the George Price Highway.  It might take a long time to finish, but it's a start.  Thanks, IDB!  This is part of the short term strategy Belize has, targeting four main areas: education, tourism, transport, and trade and tax policy.

"IDB provides US$540,000 Grant to Belize for George Price Highway Project Preparation Studies.  The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Government of Belize today signed a grant agreement for US$540,000 to support the preparation of feasibility studies and social and environmental assessments for the rehabilitation of 32 miles of the George Price Highway between Belmopan and Benque Viejo del Carmen."

The Belize Audubon Society has teamed up with the Belize Tourism Board, Smart, CACHE, NICH, and the Benque House of Culture to do an Urban Bird Watch in Benque.  Dirk Francisco will be leading the watch, and it's free.  It'll be Sunday, October 20th, starting at 6:00am.

"Join us FB fans, bring your family and friends and lets go birding in Benque Viejo Del Carmen on October 30th, 2013.  Share!  Share!  Share!"

Joe Awe has a nice article about the sawdust tapestries of Benque. Cayo culture at its finest, and it'll be happening again on April 3rd.

"In Belize, Benque Viejo Del Carmen, the western-most town is where these displays of passion happen every Holy Week.  This is a very proud town of people who speak Spanish predominantly and whose Catholic upbringing is anchored deeply into the culture.  A few hours of their time to create such wonderful art is worth the time for penance."

The Acoustica concert is next Saturday, May 10th, at the Cave Garden.

"An [unplugged] rock concert covering your favourite songs by local bands in Belize.  Come on out with your friends and have a fun night listening to amazing songs and enjoy the cool laid back environment at Cave Garden Restaurant in Benque Viejo Del Carmen.  Performing Bands are: 'In Bloom' from San Ignacio, Cayo, 'Emendo' from Guatemala, 'Bad Rabbits' from San Ignacio, Cayo and Rick Galvez doing a solo performance.  Genres include Grunge Rock, Alternative, Power Ballads and Classic Rock/Blues.  Tickets can be bought from Oscar (Oki) Mis, Kevin ( Guillermo) Berganza and Jose Barrera.  $10.00 at the door and $5.00 in advance.  Support our local Bands as we help push Belize forward on a higher global scale as it relates to arts and culture.  Rock on!"

Tomorrow is the 15th annual Junior Cross County Cycling Classic.  They start at Succotz, and head to Belize City.  The race starts at 9:00am.

"The Junior and Youth Male Category of the Federation challenge themselves to prove, who is the best rider to completed this annual prestigious event.  They ride from the Ferry at San Jose Succotz, just outside Benque Viejo Del Carmen and travels the George Price Highway to finish in front of Leslie's Import near Miles 2."

The Passion of the Christ re-enactment in Benque will be on April 18th, and they are doing a casting call.  If you're interested, contact Jimmy Leslie or Lorena Calderon, or call 823-2024.

"A call to all youths who would like to be part of this year's cast for "The Passion of the Christ" dramatization 2014.  For more information contact Lorena Melgar Calderón or Jimmy Leslie, if you would like to be part of this annual event and reminiscence of our Lord Jesus Christ in Calvary...where He laid His life for the sake of our salvation.  The rehearsal dates to be announced soon.  If you wish to help in anyway or make a donation to make this event bigger than ever visit Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Parish Office on Church Street in Benque Viejo del Carmen or call 501-823-2024."

The BAS will be doing an Urban Bird Watch in Benque tomorrow morning.  In related news, tonight at the CACHE Cafe, Dirk Francisco will be giving an educational lecture on conservation at 7:30.

"Thank You BTB for this wonderful flyer and participation in our Urban Bird Watch.  Join us FB fans, bring your family and friends and lets go birding in Benque Viejo Del Carmen on October 20th, 2013.  Share!  Share!  Share!"

http://bestofcayo.com/calendar