Placencia’s streets transformed into a colorful sea of joy and energy for Belize’s Independence Day, with the Carnival Street Parade being the undisputed highlight of the festivities. This year’s parade was nothing short of spectacular, as dancers in vibrant, handcrafted costumes joyously made their way along the scenic mile-long route, from the airstrip to Placencia Point Pier. The air was filled with the infectious rhythms of soca and punta music, and the energy was palpable as crowds cheered, danced, and celebrated together.

This year, the Gecko Vacation Rentals team was thrilled to be part of the excitement. Proudly representing our love for Placencia, we brought our own float—complete with a giant gecko—and assembled a lively troupe of dancers under the banner “One Peninsula.” Our costumes, a dazzling display of neon greens, pinks, and blues, sparkled in the sun, as feathers and beads danced in the breeze.

We danced, laughed, and celebrated with locals and visitors alike, fully immersing ourselves in the festive spirit. The experience deepened our connection with this beautiful community that we proudly call home. We look forward to being part of this incredible tradition again next year!

A huge thank you to our incredible local manager, Vicky, along with Nina from Flowers Property Management and Megan from Driftwood Gardens, for their outstanding leadership and dedication in making our participation such a success. We couldn’t have done it without you!