After months of anticipation, one of Belize’s most beloved cultural and musical gatherings is making its return to the capital this weekend. On Saturday night, the 134th annual Haile Selassie Earthstrong Night Celebration will bring together reggae enthusiasts, cultural practitioners, and entire communities for an evening rooted in shared identity, history, and collective unity, centered around the gathering’s core message of “One Love”.
Long-time event organizer Ras Reuben emphasized that the annual celebration goes far beyond a simple night of live music. While great performances remain a central draw, the gathering is first and foremost a tribute to the legacy of Haile Selassie I, a figure considered a divine leader within Rastafarian culture, and an opportunity to reinforce the power of collective solidarity among Belizeans. “This is King Selassie’s Earth Day, his 134th Earthstrong, and we celebrate this every year,” Reuben explained in prepared remarks for the upcoming event.
This year’s lineup features a diverse roster of talented local and regional acts, spanning live bands, DJs, and solo performers. Headlining the night will be Kenny Gladden and the New Creation Band, alongside sets from DJ Black, Brick City, and Jahlock. Additional performers include Ras Sherman, Ras Jalac, Bongo Farai, Reddadan, Unlimited, and Ras Indio, with many more artists set to make appearances throughout the evening. Reuben noted that these names only represent a portion of the talent slated to take the stage.
The 2026 celebration will be hosted at BTL Park, running from 6:00 PM to midnight on Saturday. Organizers have designed the event to be fully family-friendly, encouraging attendees to bring children and extended family members to experience the full range of cultural activities on offer. Beyond live music, the gathering will feature a wide selection of traditional Belizean food and beverage vendors, giving attendees the chance to fully immerse themselves in local cultural traditions.
Reuben extended a sincere note of gratitude to everyone who made the 2026 event possible, including community supporters, volunteers, and official sponsors whose contributions have kept this long-running annual tradition alive. “Blessed love,” Reuben said, inviting all members of the public to join the gathering for a night of reflection, celebration, and connection.
This report is adapted from a transcribed evening television news broadcast, with original Kriol language statements rendered in standard spelling for clarity.