By Belize Live News Staff: The Belize Council of Churches is calling on Carnival organizers, participants and parents to place greater emphasis on modesty and public decency during future Carnival celebrations.
In a media statement issued as Belize marks its 45th anniversary of Independence, the Council said it has become increasingly concerned about what it described as “immodest attire and conduct” displayed by some Carnival participants in recent years.
The Council stressed that it is not opposed to Carnival, describing the event as a cherished part of Belizean culture that celebrates national identity, creativity and community.
However, church leaders said vibrant public celebration and standards of decency can coexist.
The Council is urging Carnival organizers to establish and enforce clearer costume guidelines, particularly for events involving minors.
Parents and guardians are also being asked to use discretion when deciding how their children participate in or are exposed to certain aspects of the festivities.
Participants, meanwhile, are being encouraged to consider the example being set for children and the image of Belize being presented publicly.
The Council said modest dress should not be viewed as being against Carnival, but rather as an expression of self-respect and respect for the wider community.
It has offered to engage with government agencies, cultural organizations and Carnival organizers in an effort to find a balance between preserving the celebration and upholding the moral standards represented by Belize’s churches.
The Council said it wants dialogue rather than division on the issue.
