Mass exodus to cayes and beyond for long weekend
Belize has its unique Easter traditions. If residents don’t implement holiday plans by Thursday evening, they remain at home through Good Friday and observe the launch of the Cross Country Cycling Classic. But once the race is on the road, car radios are blazed with updates as the wheels spin inland or the boats ride the waves to the cayes. News Five’s Isani Cayetano hit the pavement and asked the masses where they intend to spend their leisure time during the Easter weekend.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
The exodus of residents currently on Easter vacation to San Pedro and Caye Caulker has already began. This morning dozens of travelers converged upon the water taxi terminals in Belize City where scheduled boat runs are ferrying them unto the islands. While Belizeans across the country are seeking a little fun in the sun, tourists from neighboring Guatemala are also getting in on the action.
Isani Cayetano
“What has the journey been like, I know you’re at the halfway point right now but you still need to catch the boat to get unto the island. What has it been like so far?”
Guatemalan Tourist
“Tiring but exciting. I like it. It’s been a very good experience.”
Isani Cayetano
“It’s your first time going out to San Pedro?”
Guatemalan Tourist
“No. It’s the second time actually.”
Isani Cayetano
“What was the first experience like that makes you want to return to the island?”
Guatemalan Tourist
“It was amazing. It’s a place you never want to leave. It’s like paradise there.”
It’s a testament to the mass migration that many, including several downtown shoppers, can attest to.
Isani Cayetano
“What are you doing for the Easter this year?”
Citizen 1
“Well, partying all night, clubbing there in San Pedro, [the] best place to be.”
Isani Cayetano
“How are you dealing with the heat on the island and all these Belizean people leaving the city and other parts of the country to go on San Pedro?”
Citizen 1
“Well I’m taking my breaks with my, you know, six packs everyday there by the beach. That’s what we do every day, you know, getting sunburned. That’s the thing!”
And of course there are those who prefer a weekend of excitement on the peninsula. Thousands are expected to make their way down to Placencia over the next few days.
Citizen 2
“I gwein da Placencia go spend di Easter because money da noh di problem, I have enough.”
Isani Cayetano
“What are you gonna be doing down in Placencia, are you gonna be visiting with family and friends, you’re gonna be partying? Are you going to all the events planned down there?”
Citizen 2
“Well like how ah di ker enough money, ah gwein bathe, ah gwein eat, I gwein party and I done get mih nice suite fi stay.”
Despite the fact that many are leaving the mainland in search of sandy beaches and tropical drinks downtown Albert Street is alive with vendors who are accommodating those wanting to enjoy a traditional holiday. Easter baskets anyone?
Vendor
“I think it’s moving fast. I don’t want to sell on Saturday so I’m trying to finish up today but it’s selling. They’re buying baskets.”
Isani Cayetano
“How long have you set up your post out here, since the beginning of the week?”
Vendor
“No. I just began today; I just set it up today. People usually buy last minute so it’s today when you sell the most.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Isani Cayetano.
