Belize Defence Force Band

05/04/2026

The Belize Defence Force (BDF) Band proudly participated in the Good Friday Parade in Benque Viejo del Carmen, continuing a long-standing tradition of service through music. While the Band has supported this sacred observance for many years, participation was paused in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, the BDF Band operated as a volunteer ensemble; today, it stands as an official Regular Element of the Force—making this year’s appearance especially significant as the first by the Regular Element Band in this revered parade.

The Good Friday (Viernes Santo) ceremonies in Benque Viejo del Carmen are widely regarded as among the most elaborate and solemn religious traditions in Belize. The day is marked by two central expressions of devotion: the intricate creation of sawdust carpets and the dramatic reenactments of the Passion of Christ.

At 5:00 PM, the town enters its most solemn phase with the Procesión del Santo Entierro. During this procession, devoted penitents carry a heavy anda (platform) bearing a life-size figure of Jesus in a glass coffin. As the procession moves through the streets, participants walk over the beautifully crafted sawdust carpets, symbolically erasing them—serving as a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the enduring significance of faith.

The BDF Band is honored to be part of this profound cultural and spiritual tradition.

29/03/2026

Traditionally, the BDF Band performs in Dangriga for the Palm Sunday parade before proceeding to Hopkins for its Adventure Training. This longstanding tradition was established almost 3 decades ago by the late Canon Lieutenant Colonel Jerris Valentine, former BDF Chaplain.
The Band extends its sincere gratitude to the Anglican and Methodist Churches in Dangriga, as well as to all sponsors including the Ministry of Defence and Border Security for their continued support in making this initiative possible.

22/03/2026

Today marked one of the most difficult days for the BDF Band, as we gathered to lay one of our own to rest. Losing a fellow musician and colleague has deeply affected us all. In his honor, we stood alongside many musicians he once collaborated with in his music career, we united in respect and remembrance. Through this final tribute, we ensured that he was given the full honors he truly deserved. His legacy will continue to live on through the music he shared and the lives he touched.

18/03/2026

We've managed to get the full video to our Garifuna Medley. The intro to this Medley will never sound the same without our Late trombone player Flowers R.

13/03/2026

Calling All Musicians
We are inviting any musician who had the opportunity to play alongside our late band member to join us in honoring his memory through music.
This invitation is open to musicians from Wesley College Band, Gwenliz, or any other band setting where he once performed. Let us come together and play in tribute to him, just the way he would have loved.

Practice Session:
🗓 Sunday at 1:00 PM
Rehearsal:
🗓 Wednesday at 5:00 PM
Location: Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence (Behind the police station)

Musicians who are able to attend are kindly asked to bring their own instruments if possible.
If you are interested in participating, please contact the band page or reach out to (601-8574)
Let us stand shoulder to shoulder and honor his legacy through music.

10/03/2026

A musician, a soldier, a brother. Your final note has been played, but your legacy marches on with us. The parade will continue, but it will never sound the same without you. Thank you for every note you gave us. Rest peacefully, brother, Private Flowers R. 🕊️”

10/03/2026

On Saturday 7th March 2026 The Belize Defence Force Band proudly provided musical accompaniment during the ceremony held in honor of Vincent Delvorine Parks, recognizing her legacy and contributions.

03/03/2026

The BDF Band proudly led yesterday’s Child Stimulation Month Parade with music, celebrating our nation’s children and promoting the importance of early childhood development. 🎶🇧🇿

13/02/2026

13/02/2026

PART 2