The Selection Committee for the song competition component of the National Celebrations Commission met this week to vet the submissions received for the Patriotic and Carnival Song Competitions. In total, there were 17 submissions for the Patriotic Song and 11 submissions for the Carnival Song from which seven semi-finalists from each category were selected.

The competition was open to Belizean nationals living at home and abroad. Songs had to be new original pieces with less than five minutes duration, and includes lyrics that would instill patriotism and a sense of national pride in us all. The song should also focus on the history of St. George's Caye and/or Belize's Independence.

The National Institute of Culture and History hopes to build a cadre of local Belizean carnival music that captures the essence of Belize’s carnival experience while allowing the local carnival bands to have access to high energy rhythms that the revelers can enjoy as they masquerade through the principal streets throughout the country of Belize.

The semi finalists for the Carnival Song Competition are:

There are but a few patriotic songs that have been recorded over the years that are available for our listening pleasure. The National Celebrations Commission is hoping that by facilitating this competition each year the local artists will become inspired to go out and gather the pertinent historical information on both milestones of our country. Artists will be equipped to translate this information into lyrics, music and song that once we listen to them it will instantly infuse us with pride and patriotism for our beloved country Belize.

The Semi-finalists for the Patriotic songs are:

All 14 songs are available on the September Celebration website at www.septembercelebrations.com, so log on to listen and vote for your favorite song of choice.

Come support the semi-finalists as they perform their songs live while being backed by the Youth Connection Band of Orange Walk Town, at the House of Culture on August 15^th 2009. Carnival Bands will also undertake another fundraising venture as they will have booths set up with food and drinks for sale. This event starts at 7:00 p.m. and entrance fee is $5.00.

For further information please feel free to call Greg Vernon at 227-2110 or NICH at 227-0518 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .