Benque Viejo Lights 60-Foot Tree to Launch Christmas Season

Benque Viejo del Carmen Town, the most western municipality in Belize, officially ushered in the Christmas season over the weekend.  Several festive activities organized by the Town Council were highlighted by a business night market and the lighting of a towering Christmas tree.  Led by Mayor Jorge Rosales, the celebrations opened with the 12^th Night Christmas Business Night Market, drawing residents and visitors to the town center to support local vendors and enjoy holiday entertainment. Festivities continued on the 13^th Night at Coronation Park with a Christmas parade, followed by the official opening ceremony.  The evening’s highlight was the lighting of a 60-foot Christmas tree in front of the Town Hall. Town officials say the community responded strongly to a call for donated Christmas lights, while the lumber used to build the tree will later be repurposed to extend the veranda at the Marshalleck Market, reflecting a practical and sustainable approach.