Indigenous People’s Resistance Day in Belize

A public and bank holiday

Indigenous People’s Resistance Day is a public and bank holiday in Belize. Under the Holidays Act, some holidays are observed on the preceding or following Monday depending on the weekday, so the observed date can differ from October 12.[1][2]

Belize’s Labour Act protects wages on public holidays. It says workers paid by the month or week must not have wages deducted for time not worked; it also sets pay requirements for some hourly, daily, piecework or task-work employees, subject to the law’s conditions. This does not mean every worker is guaranteed a day off.[3]

Meaning in Belize

Belize’s observance replaced the former Columbus Day name with a focus on Indigenous resistance. The Belize Tourism Board describes the day as recognizing the struggles of the Garifuna and Maya, including Mopan, Kekchi and Yucatec Maya, against invasion, subjugation and colonialism.[4]

The University of Belize’s Indigenous Resistance Day programming has included a national lecture on safeguarding Indigenous languages, with Indigenous organizations discussing their languages and community efforts. The university records presentations in English, Yucatec, Mopan, Q’eqchi and Garifuna.[5]

How it is marked

Documented activities include educational and cultural events rather than one required national ceremony. At the University of Belize, activities have included a cultural fair with booths showcasing Indigenous groups from Latin America and a lecture on language preservation.[5]

The Belize Tourism Board has also described the holiday as a time to recognize Indigenous heritage and resistance. Check local event listings for details of celebrations.[4][5]

Practical plans

Because the date is a public and bank holiday, expect bank services to follow holiday arrangements. Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go. Check directly with shops and transport operators for their hours and schedules before travelling.[1][2]