It’s high time for tea time at the 8th annual Tea and Cultural Celebration taking place Sept. 27 at the Morton Grove Civic Center.
The event, hosted by the Belize Culture and Heritage Association, celebrates the colonization and independence of Belize. In its eighth year, the event aims to educate residents on the history on the Central American country.
Hot tea will be served along with a variety of food and performances related to the country’s cultural history.
What began as a class project in 2005 eventually sprouted into an active nonprofit organization that president and founder Sharon Staine says she is “proud to share with the community.” In the past, Staine said her organization has participated in a number of local community events, including the Skokie Festival of Cultures. Although currently the organization put a number of performances and partnerships on hold, “the tea is a continuous event,” she said.
“I started the tea because being from Belize and being British subjects, we typically drink tea,” Staine said. “Our culture is very diverse; we have a myriad of various mini cultures in the Belizean culture, including Kriols, Garinagu, Mestizos, Mayans and so many others.”
Staine’s event celebrates the anniversary of the battle against Spain on Sept. 10, 1798 where Belizeans fought in defense of their country, she said. The tea also celebrates Belize’s Independence Day on Sept. 21, 1981.
While the event holds true to her culture, Staine added this year’s event is special – “it’s also in memory of my aunt who recently passed away,” she said.
“She used to drink tea religiously around 2 or 3 p.m. every day,” Staine reminisced. Tea is a cultural traditional that brings many family and friends together, she explained.
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Those planning to attend are encouraged to bring a toy which will be donated to the Belize Salvation Army Children’s Christmas Fund. Staine added women can wear “frocks, hats and gloves,” if interested.
Tickets are on sale for $25 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under. The event will begin at 2:30 p.m.
For more information and to purchase tickets, send an email to [email protected] or call 312-320-6017.
Lindsey Compton is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.