It seems the 10th of September is still fighting a battle: every year, it has to fight for recognition against other events of greater historical significance, like independence, and events which have more popular pull, like Carnival. But, the Tenth battles on, as faded as the glory of the Baymen, but still clinging to its importance as an existential national event.
How did it fare this year? Courtney Weatherburne tells us:
Courtney Weatherburne reporting
As per protocol, the Head of State (GG) and the Head of Government (PM) and other government officials took front row at the 10th Day official opening ceremony. Mayor Darrel Bradley's address focused on the valor and loyalty of the Baymen and the importance of leading such a life.
Darrel Bradley, Mayor, Belize City
"Celebrating today and in honoring the Baymen, our greatest tribute to them is to live like them, that we can sing and dance and march 
together, but that we also strive to learn from the Baymen and to follow their example of facing struggle with dignity and determination, that 216 years from now, people will gather together to celebrate how we live and our example that we were men and women of principle and courage embracing sacrifice with humility and patient endurance boldly charting the way forward for this our Belizean nation with optimism and a spirit of service and sacrifice."
Following the Mayor's address, Chairman of the National Celebrations Commission Manuel Heredia Jr. spoke about upcoming renovation projects to maintain and preserve Belize's historical and cultural heritage.
Manuel Heredia, Chairman, National Celebrations Commission
"It is therefore my honor and delight to announce the commencement of a 3 year - 40 million dollars project spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation, the National Institute of Culture and History and the Belize City Council for the rehabilitation of colonial resources within what is considered as the old historic downtown of Belize City. Under this project the current Belize City House of 
Culture will be transformed and establish as the national colonial museum of Belize."
After the official speeches, there was the installation of the 69th Queen of the Bay. And after the formalities of the official ceremonies, the Citizens Parade wound through the city streets. We picked it up in front of our studio on Albert Street where it was hardly lively, owing to the downpour which had killed most of the sound systems, lending the march an unusually somber air.
But, as they say, the rain can't stop the bram, and indeed, it didn't hold back citizens or government officials from jumping up.
That's right! Under the deluge, an infectious flare of frenzy and excitement ruled.
The rain didn't chase away the spectators either, as they stood huddled together under small umbrellas, engrossed in the hype of the day.
Even the queens, in their royal regalia embraced the liberation unleashed by the torrent.
And after the rain subsided, so did the spirits of citizens. People began to disperse, soaked and soiled but with memories of a wet and wild 10th of September.
We usually compare the jump-up to previous years - and this one was lighter and less spirited than last year when it passed our studios, but, like Milli Vanilli, you can blame it on the rain!
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