World Monuments Fund Watch Day at Lamanai 2023
Lamanai Watch Day, Historic Lamanai Activity © Heritage Education Network Belize
Date: 13 August, 2023
Location: Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, Jaguar Temple Plaza
Number of participants: 37 quest participants, approximately 100 attendees
About
On the 13th of August, 2023, World Monuments Watch Day was celebrated by many at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve in Belize. The event was planned by Heritage Education Network Belize in collaboration with the World Monuments Fund and the Institute of Archaeology, NICH. Activities were held for families, school groups and interested people at Lamanai and Indian Church Village, highlighting the diverse communities and their histories who are stakeholders of Lamanai. Approximately hundred participants were able to engage in different activities that encouraged the discovery of Lamanai’s contemporary stories.
The day also included a “quest” for children, families and participants - passing different stations in Lamanai Archaeological Reserve with a variety of educational activities and small-site tours. Upon completion of each activity, participants received a small gift in addition to the materials they collected or made throughout the day.
Watch Day also included a raffle with three prizes that consisted of school supplies and a visit from the Indian Church Chairman to accept a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of Indian Church Village residents.
Indian Church Chairman accepting a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of Indian Church Village residents © Heritage Education Network Belize
Attendees
37 individuals, of the age of 15 or under, signed up for activities, each accompanied by 2 parents on average. We estimate attendee numbers to be approximately 100 people. As the activities were informal, it was not possible to provide numbers, however, of the 37 individuals, the majority completed the quest or at least two stations out of four.
Attendees were largely from Indian Church Village, including families, teenagers in groups and an elementary school group accompanied by their head teacher. The second largest group of attendees came from the nearby villages of mainly San Carlos and San Felipe. In addition, some families arrived from Orange Walk Town. Attendees also included other Belizean and non-Belizean tourists who did not primarily come for the event, but to see the archaeological site.
Activity Stations
Activity stations included the Historic Lamanai station with guided tours to the Spanish Colonial Churches on site as well as the areas where Indian Church Village used to be located. The activity also included colouring archaeological illustrations of finds from the same areas.
Feedback from people attending tours showed that many were not aware that Indian Church Village used to be located inside the current Lamanai Archaeological Reserve. This feedback came from adults outside of Indian Church Village, however, we received similar comments from children living in Indian Church Village today. People have stated that they look at Lamanai differently now, more as part of a living community.
Colouring during the Historic Lamanai Activity © Morena Pérez Joachin
The Learn about Alux activity station was led by Mr Hugo Carillo and his team. Mr Carillo is a Maya Yucatec from the nearby village of San Lazaro, where he established a community museum and organises engaging cultural events. After the story and explanation of Alux, participants were able to create their own from natural clay and take it home with them.
“Learn about Alux” activity © Morena Pérez Joachin
The activity station by the Institute of Archaeology, NICH included discussions and multiple small activities that taught about Archaeology in Belize and at Lamanai.
Institute of Archaeology, NICH activity station © Morena Pérez Joachin
Finally, the last activity involved the Belize National Pok ta Pok Team (Mesoamerican Ballgame). The players came from the nearby village of Yo Creek to explain more about the sport’s history, including its recent revival to highlight contemporary stories.
Participants were able to learn about and touch the rare Pok ta Pok rubber ball as well as find out about the protective clothing and the rules of the game. The team also played a short game during the day to demonstrate the ancient sport.
Pok ta Pok Game ©Heritage Education Network Belize
The Watch Day event at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve fostered a deeper appreciation for the site's historical and cultural significance among attendees. It engaged diverse communities and tourists, leaving them with a newfound perspective on Lamanai's role in their living heritage.
Learn more about Lamanai and Indian Church's World Monuments Watch Nomination.
Written by Ella Békési