A Baktun is the name for the Maya calendar cycle of 5, 125 years. On December 20, 2012 the thirteenth Baktun came to the end and the midnight of December 21 gave commencement of a new Baktun calendar cycle. For some unknown reason there have been a lot of speculation and predictions of terrible things to happen including the possible end of the world.
However, in San Pedro the night was in a festive mood for this historical occasion as the San Pedro Town Council put on a show of music, dance and song with lots to eat and drink. Local historian and author Angel Nuñez offered a toast to the Mayas and pointed out that the end of any cycle, like our yearly calendar, an anniversary is an occasion for celebrating the successes we have had and a time for reflection and making new resolutions that will help improve the quality of our lives and relationships.
San Pedro Mayor Daniel Guerrero praised the Mayas for their great civilization and contributions to mankind and asked everyone to live in harmony with each other and with nature so that we may continue to prosper. For his part Area Representative and Minister of Tourism Hon. Manuel Heredia outlined the importance of the Maya civilization to Belize and pledged his ministry’s unequivocal support to utilize all resources available for the development of tourism in Belize.
The entertainment of the night included the presentation of Miss San Pedro Naiely Puc as a Mayan Goddess and her entourage of Maya warriors. Then the Corozal Community College took the stage with fire dancing, the deer dance and a series of wonderfully choreographed dances depicting women and people in Belize followed by a presentation of all the cultures of ethnic groups in Belize in music and dance. The CCC Dance Company was wholeheartedly received and took the accolades of the San Pedro spectators. Lucio Alcoser and The New Generation Band of Orange Walk Town captured a huge crowd of party folks who wined and dined throughout the night.
Thanks to the San Pedro Town Council and the eager party of revelers of San Pedro, the end of the Maya Calendar Cycle was just another reason for celebration and looking forward for more good things to come.
Maya Goddess -Miss San Pedro: Naiely Puc
Maya Fire Dancer -Emily Simoes
Deer Dance
The Corozal Dance Company performing cultural dances
Performing artist Terryl Godoy “Man at Work”
The Corozal Dance Company performing cultural dances
