Posted: Wednesday, July 16, 2025. 8:32 am CST.
Mariachi band performing Las Mañanitas for Benque Viejo del Carmen Patron Saint La Virgen del Carmen on Wednesday, July 16. Photo Credit: Benque House of Culture
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: On the morning of July 16, the town of Benque Viejo del Carmen awakened to the soul-stirring notes of Las Mañanitas, performed by a mariachi ensemble at Mount Carmel Catholic Church. The serenade, an emotional tribute to La Virgen del Carmen, echoed through the Mopan River valley, stirring memories and devotion in one of Belize’s oldest towns, officially recognized as a municipality in 1904.
A Century of Faith and Tradition
This year’s celebration carried special weight—Benque recently marked its 119th anniversary as a town, a milestone that honours its roots as a sanctuary for Maya and Mestizo refugees fleeing the Caste War in Mexico in the late 1800s. From its humble beginnings as a riverside settlement, Benque Viejo del Carmen blossomed into a vibrant cultural hub, deeply anchored in Catholic tradition.
Mariachi band entering Mount Carmel Catholic Church performing Las Mañanitas for Benque Viejo del Carmen Patron Saint La Virgen del Carmen on Wednesday, July 16. Photo Credit: Benque House of Culture
The Novena and Alboradas: A Sacred Countdown
As tradition dictates, the festivities began nine days prior with the rosary novena, a spiritual countdown to the feast day. Each dawn was greeted with alboradas—early morning prayers and hymns that filled the streets with reverence and anticipation. Townsfolk gathered, lit candles, sang hymns, and offered prayers led by the rezadora and cantadoras, accompanied by the gentle rhythm of the marimba.
Faith and Devotion | Día del Pueblo
As the Benque House of Culture so poignantly expressed:
> “Under the light of candles and the sound of heartfelt melodies, our community comes together in deep reverence for our beloved Patron Saint.
> A tradition rooted in faith, love, and unity—may her intercession guide and bless Benque Viejo Del Carmen.”
A Town in Harmony
The parishioners honoured their patroness. The church bells rang in harmony with the marimba and mariachi, blending sacred and festive tones. Elders recounted stories of Benque’s founding, and the Mount Carmel Church yard came alive with marimba music, dance, food, and laughter.
Benqueños and local priest celebrating Benque Viejo del Carmen Patron Saint La Virgen del Carmen on Wednesday, July 16. Photo Credit: Benque House of Culture
The Fair: A Fiesta for All
Coinciding with the religious observance, the Benque Viejo Town Council hosted its annual fair the preceding weekend, from Friday to Sunday. The town transformed into a lively center of entertainment and cultural pride, drawing families and visitors from across the region. The fair featured:
– Live music and bands, including regional marimba groups and Belizean and foreign artists
– DJs spinning modern beats alongside traditional sounds
– Jaripeo, a thrilling rodeo-style spectacle of horsemanship and skill
– Mechanical games and rides for children and teens
– Sports events, including football tournaments and community competitions
Benque Viejo del Carmen Fiesta 2025 – Photo Credit: Ricky G. Cunil
Food stalls lined the fairgrounds with Belizean flavours, crafts, and carnival-style treats. The vibrant energy of this celebration further amplified the town’s devotion, turning the patronal feast into a weekend of unity, joy, and tradition.
Benque’s Enduring Spirit
Benque Viejo del Carmen stands as a great example of resilience, faith, and cultural pride. Its annual Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen is more than a religious observance—it’s a living chronicle of Belizean heritage. As the sun sets later on July 16, the town will glow not just with the final church service and fireworks, but with the enduring spirit of a community that continues to honour its past and la Virgen del Carmen while embracing its future.
Benque Viejo del Carmen Fiesta 2025 – Photo Credit: Ricky G. Cunil
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The post Benque Viejo del Carmen honours La Virgen del Carmen with faith, festivity, and tradition appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Wednesday, July 16, 2025. 8:32 am CST. Mariachi band performing Las Mañanitas for Benque Viejo del Carmen Patron Saint La Virgen del Carmen on Wednesday,
The post Benque Viejo del Carmen honours La Virgen del Carmen with faith, festivity, and tradition appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
