St John’s College High School Students Explore Belizean Arts and Culture in Benque Viejo
Inside Cubola is a new monthly programme by Cubola Productions that invites students into the heart of Belize’s publishing world. Through guided tours and interactive sessions, students gain firsthand insight into the creative and technical processes behind producing Belizean books, and explore how publishing supports national culture, identity, and storytelling.
This month, Cubola welcomed students from St John’s College High School in Belize City. Their day began at Stonetree Records, where they stepped into the rhythm of Belize’s music industry. The students toured the studio, met with local producers and musicians, and discovered how Belizean artists record, mix, and distribute their music both locally and internationally. They explored genres unique to the country—like Punta, Brukdown, and Paranda—and learnt how music plays a crucial role in expressing identity, telling stories, and preserving cultural traditions.
Later, at Cubola Productions, the students were given a behind-the-scenes look at the world of book publishing in Belize. They learnt about the entire process—from manuscript to finished product—including editing, design, printing, and distribution. The Cubola team emphasised how producing Belizean books helps preserve local stories, language, and perspectives, giving voice to Belizean authors and showcasing the country’s rich literary and cultural heritage.
