Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

The Archaeology Trailblazer program will be in July at the San Ignacio & Santa Elena House of Culture -NICH and June at the Benque House of Culture (NICH).  Belizeans 16 and older that are interested in culture and archaeology can join the program. Sign up using the qrc code on the fliers.

Video of the month. Los Hijos del West and Ian Yacab perform an awesome version of La Llorona. Nicely done.

The Maya Hieroglyphics session at the SISE HoC with Jorge de Leon will be on August 19th. Great opportunity to learn more about the Maya and their system of writing.

In related news, the session at the Benque HoC will be on the 26th.

"As part of the 2022 September Celebrations, the Benque Viejo Town Council with the National Institute of Culture and History held a fantastic night of Belizean artistic talent. A good number of participants from Benque Viejo and other parts of Belize assembled at the Marshalleck Stadium to showcase their special talent."

Happy anniversary, Benque HoC!  They're celebrating their 18th year this weekend.  They'll have a concert on Saturday at Centennial Park, and a Social Day all day Friday at the HoC. 

The Benque HoC is honoring Kaylene Mai this Thursday, at 7:00pm, for Dia de los Angelitos.

"Celebrating our cultural heritage at our Benque House of Culture this Thursday November 1st,2018."

The Benque HoC is having a Lenten Season photography exhibition launch on Thursday, along with an interactive lecture.

"Benque Viejo Del Carmen prepares for one of the major seasons of community solemnity the LENTEN SEASON, a time to reflect and showcase our community spirit!

Join us Thursday February 15,2018 for a lenten season interactive lecture on traditions and believes followed by a showcase of the Collective Photography Exhibition of the Lenten Season in Benque by amateur and professional photographers of Belize."

The Benque HoC is having quite a few Summer courses for the kids.  They range from creating corn husk dolls to learning Maya glyphs to basket weaving, and even learning how to play the marimba.

"Learn, Explore & Be Empowered through the Arts this Summer 2017, inbox, call us 823-2697 and save your space today!!! "

The Benque HoC celebrated International Museum Day by having many fun activities for the youth to enjoy.  Thanks, NICH!  They have plenty of pictures of the kids having fun.

"International Museum Day 2 was a great success. Much thanks to the Benque House of Culture (NICH)for inviting us along, and to Jorge, Yasmini and Joanna for coming out to help us. The children loved the activities and were very insightful."

The Benque HoC celebrated Women's Day.  March is Women's and Children's Month.

"The Joy, the power, the challenges and strengths of a Women are just some of the natural traits of a Woman's virtue and possession,yesterday many Women shared their journey, empowering stories from the professional ground, lifeskills and the Artistry of being a woman in a changing environment.

We are immensely grateful to all our women who participated as presenters, performers and engaging audience.  Lastly we thank the efforts of Mrs. Cynthia Williams, Coordinator of the Women's Department for all her efforts in travelling from Belize City to Benque to address our audience!  Celebrating Women for all contributions everyday and all day!"

The Benque House of Culture always does Finados right, and they invite all the local schools to come out and experience the cultural activities.  They also did their annual Noche de Cuenta Cuentos.

Happy 15 years to the Benque House of Culture!  They have the Pillars of Benque HoC exhibit up right now.  Fun pictures from the party.

They have a great little video of the fireworks at the party too.

"We bid farewell to one of our most festive seasons, one that leaves us with great memories, friendships and a journey to continue embracing our Belizean Identity!

Images of our Benque HOC Quince Años- A walk down through memory lane ceremony & opening of our in house exhibition 'Pillars of Benque HOC' - depicting 15 personalities that have contributed invaluably towards the growth & development of the Arts, Culture & History, locally and internationally."

The Benque House of Culture is having their Tarde Cultural this Sunday. The fun will start at 330pm at Centennial Park. They'll have live marimba too.

UPDATE - Postponed to Friday the 10th.

The Benque HoC is having their Noche de Cuenta Cuentos on Friday the 3rd, starting at 730pm.  David Ruiz will be telling stories about Benque folklore.  They'll have face painting and games.

'Cuentanos tu Cuento!

Benque's sawdust tapestries will be displayed on Good Friday. Anyone interested in creating one can contact the Benque HoC.

The Benque HoC is having Las Alboradas starting on Thursday morning at 4am. The Mass is at 6pm.

"We take pride in celebrating Las Alboradas along with Friends & Community Members celebrating this lifetime community legacy for the past centuries starting July 7 - July 16, 2022.

Every morning the faithful Benqueños will celebrate for 10 days the strong Carmelita devotion by our Founding Fathers."

The RefugiARTe Exhibit will be launched at the Benque House of Culture on Thursday, May 9th.  It's a well done exhibit, with many amazing pieces.  It was at the SISE HoC in October.

"Save the date for RefugiARTe Travelling exhibition as it will be on showcase May 9th until the end of May 2019.

Make it a date and appreciate this travelling exhibition coming near you!"

The Organization of American States is starting up their Culture of Peace project, and they'll be offering classes in music, choir, and many arts.  Contact the Benque HoC for more information.

"We invite you to embrace Art and get enrolled through the OAS Culture of Peace Project starting from January 24th, every Wednesday & Thursday until March 29th from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Offering courses in Music- guitar & keyboard
Choral & Voice Training
Expressive Arts- Recycling, puppetry, drama & theatre
Painting

All materials free of cost, open to all ages, Under 8 Parental supervision is needed, limited spaces for 25 students per ART CLASS, register today!"

That's some awesome corn art from the Benque HoC's Corn Husk Doll Workshop.  Wow!  

"Congrats to Benque House of Culture (NICH) on the completion of this wonderful training workshop, done in partnership with ICA's Summer Arts 2017 Program. Beautiful work."

The Benque House of Culture is having a Summer Camp where kids can learn how to play the marimba.  The Benque Youth Marimba Academy plays all over the country, and they are amazing to see live.  Contact the Benque HoC at 823-2697 for more information.

The Benque House of Culture is launching a new art exhibit tomorrow night and its theme is 'Reaffirming Bridges Through Art and Tradition.'  The festivities start at 7:00pm.

"Join us as we launch an all Benque Work of Art by our upcoming and renewed artists! "

The Benque and SISE Houses of Culture will be having Posadas, which run from Thursday the 15th to Christmas Eve.  The SISE HoC will be open for the 2nd night of Posadas.  The Benque HoC usually does something every day.

"Save the date for the Annual Community Posadas in Benque December 15 to the 24th, 2016.  Candle light street procession will commence at Our Lady of Mount Carmel accompanied by live marimba music will lead to Benque House of Culture on December 15th, 2016"

The Benque HoC had another great Full Moon Concert!

"New Soundz Band from Orange Walk made a banging showcase of the richness and emerging talents in our Jewel.  Our community and visiting audience totally enjoyed and danced the night away.We take this opportunity to send our humble acknowledgments towards all the logistical support to bring this event forward."