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interest are Cockscomb Basin Wildlife
Sanctuary, Crooked Tree Wildlife
Sanctuary, Silk Grass Creek Road, and
Mountain Pine Ridge.
Wildlife is a little more difficult to
view, especially the jaguar. Most animals
see, smell, hear, or feel a human long
before the human is aware that an ani-
mal is nearby. However, the Belize Zoo is
a good place to be sure of seeing local
exotic animals.
A Borrowed Cuisine
Belize has never really developed a
national cuisine. Its cooking borrows elements from Britain, the United
States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The traditional staples are rice and
beans. These are often eaten with chicken, pork, beef, fish, or vegetables.
Coconut milk and fried plantain add a tropical flavor. Exotic traditional
foods include armadillo, venison, and fried paca, a small rodent similar to a
guinea pig.
Communities and Cultures Clustered by Districts
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These are the official holidays in Belize.
• January 1—New Year’s Day
• March/April—Good Friday, Easter
• May 1—Labor Day
• May 24—Commonwealth Day
• September 10—St. George’s Caye
Day
• September 21—Independence Day
• October 12—Columbus Day
• November 19—Garifuna Settlement
Day
• December 25—Christmas Day
• December 26—Boxing Day
Did You Know?
TEXT-DEPENDENT QUESTIONS
1. How deep is the Blue Hole? How was it formed?
2. What is the southernmost district in Belize?