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Bonner Global Conference About Orange Walk

Page history last edited by Kelly Behrend 11 years, 10 months ago

About Orange Walk

 

    

 

About | Agenda | About Orange Walk | Meet the Lead Team | "Build Yourself, Build Belize" Curriculum

 

Read more about their experiences on the Bonners Abroad Blog!

 

About Orange Walk

A population of just fewer than forty thousand makes Orange Walk Belize's third largest populated district! The town of Orange Walk (within the district of the same name) has a population of 22,000, and is a largely Hispanic settlement. Situated on the New River and Northern Highway, Orange Walk Town is located 52 miles north of Belize City. The country's only tollbooth signals the entrance to Orange Walk Town, and after paying the small toll, one immediately notices two distinctive sites: the scenic New River and the smokestacks of the sugar mill. Roads stemming from Orange Walk access a plethora of various small villages, which also house a handful of small, lesser known archaeological sites.

 

Its Name: According to folk stories, Orange Walk got its name from the many orange groves of the past that hugged the banks of the New River and was a major trading route centuries ago for the Maya. Orange Walk is scenically set on the west bank of the New River and the town was first home to the Icaiche Maya.

 

Its Culture: The town is a cultural mix of Spanish, Maya, Mestizos, Creoles, East Indians, Mennonites and Chinese. Mexican influences remain strong and the town exhibits the area's historical bond with Mexico both culturally and physically, as most residents are Spanish-speaking Mestizos. The other widely spoken languages in this district are Spanish, English and Creole. In the heart of town sits the 100-year old La Inmaculada Church, one of the many evidences of Spanish influence prevalent in Orange Walk. The British colonial history is also very much in evidence. 

 

Its History: Starting in the 18th century the settlement by the Icaiche Maya were first interrupted by an invasion of British logging camps, which marked the beginning of a long struggle for this prime riverside locality. For more than a century, loggers floated timber down the New River into Corozal Bay. Then, in 1849 and continuing for next thirty years, Mestizos and Mayans fleeing the Caste Wars of Mexico began arriving to the area in masses, and conflict arose between the Icaiche Maya and immigrants from the north.

 

Its Economy: The area economy revolves primarily around the seasonal harvesting and processing of sugar cane. Orange Walk is also important for its production of dairy products, citrus fruits, beef and rum, which is produced by converting the sugar cane. The majority of Orange Walk’s inhabitants work in local industry and agriculture. In addition to the agricultural diversification, there has been an economic boost from eco tourism. Orange Walk district is home to over 400 species of birds, which is more than anywhere else in the country of Belize.

 

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