Belize annually observes Commonwealth Day on May 24.
This holiday is also known as Sovereign's Day.
Celebration of Commonwealth Day in Belize has a long story, that begins in the end of the 19th century, when Queen Victoria was perceived as a motherly figure and represented the expansive British Empire.
Queen Victoria died in 1901 and the Earl of Meath promoted a special day for systematic training of children.
This promotion led to creation of Empire Day, observed on May 24.
Belize (at that time it was known as British Honduras) also participated in celebration of Empire Day.
As the British power waned, Empire Day transformed into British Commonwealth Day in 1958 and again to Commonwealth Day in 1966.
Belize gained its independence on September 21, 1981, but it remained a Commonwealth realm.
A holiday in lieu is held on the Monday preceding when the day does fall on a Monday.
