Overview:

Barton Creek Mennonite Community In Belize is a rural community located in the Stann Creek district of Belize in Central America. It is home to a population of approximately 250 people, mainly Mennonites from Germany and Switzerland. The community originated from a wave of Mennonite immigrants in 1957. The community is known for its excellent agricultural and dairy production, providing much of the produce for the country of Belize. The community is also known for its traditional values and peaceful lifestyle. They practice a religious faith known as Anabaptism and their lifestyle reflects it, consisting primarily of farming during the day and attending church services on Sundays. The members of Barton Creek follow a local school system and also teach their children the Amish language, Plautdietsch. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belize
Prominent Features:

1. Connection to Mennonite Religion: The Barton Creek Mennonite Community is a close-knit religious community that adheres to the traditional Mennonites faith and practice. 2. Self-sustaining Economic System: The Barton Creek Mennonite Community is known for its commitment to a self-sustaining economic system, which consists of various agricultural activities such as raising livestock, cultivating crops, and making traditional crafts and products. 3. Commitment to Education: The Barton Creek Mennonite Community is committed to providing quality educational opportunities for their children, which include a network of schoolhouses and educational institutions in both Belize and other countries. 4. Eco-Friendly Living: In addition to their commitment to a self-sustaining economy, the Barton Creek Mennonite Community is also committed to protecting the environment, using only natural construction materials such as wood, stone, and palm leaves. 5. Cultural & Traditional Celebrations: The Barton Creek Mennonite Community celebrates traditional and cultural events throughout the year, such as Harvest festival, Easter, Christmas, and the Teenage Pageant. This national monument of Belize portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Barton Creek Mennonite Community in Belize is located in the western Cayo district. It was founded in 1958 by a group of Mennonites from the Canadian province of Manitoba, who had been invited by the Belizean government to settle the country’s low-lying and sparsely-populated Cayo area. This Mennonite congregation is one of the most successful and long-lived Mennonite communities in Belize, with a strong early commitment to both religion and economic development. From the beginning, the Mennonite settlers stressed the importance of education and industry. They established a school for their children as well as workshops for furniture-making, blacksmithing and agricultural equipment repair. In addition, the settlers developed a large, self-sufficient farm on which to grow food. Many of the crops produced here were shipped to the towns and cities of Belize, providing a significant source of income for the community. The Mennonite settlers also made use of the abundant natural resources in the area, which enabled them to create a large, successful fishing industry. Fishing was the primary economy of the Barton Creek Mennonites for many years, allowing them to prosper despite not having a great deal of land or resources. In 1984, the Belizean government officially recognized the Barton Creek Mennonite community, making it the first officially-recognized Mennonite community in the country. This recognition allowed the Mennonites to hold a number of government contracts, enabling them to receive assistance and financial aid from the government in order to help with development and infrastructure projects. Today, the Barton Creek Mennonites are still a close-knit, religious, and tightly-knit community. The residents continue to embrace and honor their Mennonite heritage through faith and hard work while still contributing to the culture and economy of Belize. The Barton Creek Mennonites are a testament to the strength and resilience of the Mennonite people and to the remarkable success of their efforts here in Belize. You must visit one of these historical places in Belize on your Belize tour

Interesting facts:

1. Barton Creek Mennonite Community is one of the oldest operating communities in Belize. It was established by German, Swiss and Dutch Mennonites in 1958. 2. The community is now home to 300 Mennonites and it is located in the western part of Belize. It is one of the few Mennonite communities outside of North America. 3. The community is mostly known for its agricultural activities, but they also engage in other cottage industries such as carpentry and baking. 4. The community has no electricity, running water, or roads and is isolated from the rest of the country. 5. Barton Creek Mennonite Community is bilingual, with Mennonite Low German and English being spoken. 6. The community is led by a bishop with two assistant elders and three deacons, all of whom are elected by the community. 7. The community has its own school system with classes taught in Mennonite Low German and modern English. 8. The community is known for its vegetarian fare, as the primary occupations are gardening and farming. 9. In recent years, the community has become more outwardly connected with the rest of Belize, with some members having obtained college degrees and other professional certifications. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belize with your friends and family.