The Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic is one Easter tradition. But along with Cross Country, nothing says Easter in Belize like fish - red snapper, jack, king fish, jew fish, grouper, barracuda - in this seas side city, if you can afford it, you can have it. And ground zero for anything fishy in Belize City is the Conch Shell Bay Fish Market. Our team stopped in this evening for the throb, congestion, and controlled chaos of the fish market on the day before the biggest fish feast on Belize's culinary calendar. Here are the impressions of the fishermen, the cleaners and the shoppers.
Fisherman #1: We just got back from sea. We are doing all right...it is tradition...everybody gets their fish, we make our profit, and everyone has a good Easter. What more could you ask for.
Fish Cleaner #1: It is Easter right now and everybody wants to eat fish right now.
Fisherman #2: These are red snappers. These fish came from far and this time you have to go far for these fish so you have to sell them for a reasonable price and thing because you have to buy a lot of gas and thing.
KS: How much is it a pound?
Fisherman #2: $7 a pound right now.
KS: How much is it usually?
Fisherman #2: $5 a pound.
Shopper #1: I've got mackerel.
KS: Why did you wait so long to get it?
Shopper #1: I just got the money to buy the fish.
KS: How important is it for you to have your fish at Easter?
Shopper #1: Good Friday you have to have your fish. Fry fish with black eye rice and beans and fry plantain.
JV: You had to pay more for it?
Shopper #1: Yes its more expensive. It is $5 a pound now.
