Belize: Celebrating Garifuna’s culture

Belize is rich with culture! This small Caribbean country is not only blessed with natural beauty but also with vibrant, colorful, authentic cultures. Each year in the month of November, Belize celebrates Garifuna’s culture, history, and pride.

Garifuna Settlement Day, is a national public and bank holiday in Belize founded by the known Belizean social activist, Thomas Vincent Ramos. Thomas Ramos established November 19 as Garifuna Settlement Day to commemorate the culture and history of the Garifuna.

The Garifuna or Garinagu, as the people are properly called, are descendant of Carib Indians and West Africans. They sought new homes on the Caribbean Islands and they were taken in by Carib Indians who had settled on a number of Caribbean Islands, eventually concentrating on St Vincent Island.

The Garinagu arrived in Belize in the early 19^th century and settled on the Southern coast of Belize. Today, most Garinagu reside in the southern part of the country, including Dangriga, Hopkins, Seine Bight, Punta Gorda, and Barranco.

This year the celebration begins with the traditional Miss Garifuna Pageant scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 25 in Belize City. The pageant will be filled with cultural activities depicting the dance, music, and food of the Garinagu. On November 13, the memory Thomas Vincent Ramos will be observed with a torch light parade.

The Garinagu’s traditional clothing is made of bright colorful checkered material, often containing the traditional colors yellow, black, and white. On Garifuna Settlement Day many Garinagu women can be seen wearing their traditional dresses along with colored headpieces in celebration of their culture. The Garifuna flag is often flown on this day with reverence and pride. The flag consists of three horizontal strips of black white and yellow.

The main event that takes place each year is the early morning re-enactment of the arrival of the Garinagu’s to the southern coast of Belize in dugout canoes. A traditional catholic mass follows immediately after the re-enactment. The mass is certainly a celebration of the Garifuna culture! The priest celebrates the mass in the Garifuna language, the choir sings alongside the rhythm of the Garifuna drums, and everyone in the community attends wearing their traditional dresses.

All the activities and events leading up to Garifuna Settlement Day depict the Garinagu’s traditional culture. The events are vivacious, colorful, and historical!

The Garifuna culture is known for its delicious traditional dishes. The most popular dishes are the cassava bread, and the Hudut. Our favorite is the Hudut, it is a creamy fish soup made with coconut milk, often served with mashed plantain. 

If you have never experienced the Garifuna culture you must visit Belize in November.  The sound of the Garifuna drum is rhythmical and will have you dancing the fun, traditional punta dance. 

Immerse in our culture and book your next Belize dream vacation with us. Contact Patricia Ramirez at patricia@splashbelize.com or visit our webpage at www.splashbelize.com for more information.

Belize: Safe, Fun and Budget Friendly

Have you ever wanted to travel to a tropical paradise but had so many questions about the destination you are heading to?

Let Splash Dive Center, take care of you! Splash Dive Center is located in beautiful southern Belize: Placencia.

Placencia is known to be the most laid-back, tranquil environment in Belize, located just a short boat ride away from many of Belize’s well-known marine reserves such as: Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes, South Water Caye, Glovers Reef, Turneffe Atoll and Belize’s Barrier Reef.

Visit Splash Dive Center and meet with Patty, co-owner of Splash Dive Center, the most genuine and friendly person you can meet. Splash will become your home away from home.

Safety is Splash Dive Center’s #1 goal, a PADI resort facility, encompassing the most experienced and qualified staff in the region. Continue your diving education or learn to dive with a very professional Instructor. Sign up for some of the tours and package deals offered,  led by dive masters who are licensed tour guides who are both knowledgeable and make it fun.

A few of Splash Dive Center’s most famous ‘Big 6’ special dive packages include:

·       The GrandSlam

·      Barrier Reef Package

·      Glovers & Barrier Reef DivingPackage

·      Blue Hole & Barrier Reef DivingPackage

·      Whale Shark Scuba Diving Packages

·      Blue Hole & Whale Shark DivingPackages

The ‘Big 6’ encompasses the very best of Belize’s underwater world, experience Belize!

Mix it up! Splash Dive Center also offers a range of inland tours, including but not limited to:

·      Monkey River Excursion

·      Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

·      Hikes and River Tubing

·      Visits to Mayan Archeological Sites

·      Cave Expeditions: ATM, Barton Creek

Concern about accommodation?

Accommodation in Placencia ranges from budget, mid-range, to high-end. A short list can be found below:

·      Budget

o   Sea Glass Inn - Placencia

·      Mid-range

o   Sea View Suites

o   Miramar Apartments

·      High-end

o   Laru Beya

We had the opportunity to dive with Splash Dive Center and can still remember the details of my vacation in Placencia, Belize. In simple words: it is more than a dive center: ‘it is home away from home’.

For more information on vacation packages visit www.splashbelize.com.

Start planning your stay by contacting Patty at patricia@splashbelize.com

Conservation of the Belize Barrier Reef: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

 

Let’s face it! Our world is awesome! Belize is proud to be the home of the largest Barrier Reef in the Western Hemisphere, a haven for awesome and diverse marine life. The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Marine Site, and if you have ever had the good fortune to dive or snorkel in this area, you will understand why Charles Darwin declared it to be, “the most remarkable reef in the West Indies”. Charles Darwin, the originator of the theory of evolution studied “life” and its “origin” and found it in Belize’s Barrier Reef.

The Belize Barrier Reef is the longest in both the Northern and Western Hemisphere, linking the country’s coastline for almost 140 miles, an extensive wall made up of beautiful, live, coral organisms. The reef is the home of 70 hard coral species, 36 soft coral species, 500 species of fish, the West Indian manatee, green turtle, hawksbill turtle, loggerhead turtle, American crocodile, and hundreds of invertebrate species. The Belize Barrier Reef System includes 9 marine reserves:

·      Bacalar Chico

·      Caye Caulker

·      Gladden Spit & Silk Cayes

·      Glover’s Reef

·      Hol Chan

·      Port Honduras

·      Sapodilla Cayes

·      South Water Caye

·      Turneffe Atoll

Belize is also home to 3 of the 4 atolls in the northern hemisphere:

·      Glover’s Reef Atoll

·      Lighthouse Reef Atoll

·      Turneffe Islands Atoll,

Many government, international, regional, national, and local organizations work together to protect the reef, few of these include:

·      Forest Department

·      Fisheries Department

·      Southern Environmental Association

·      Coral Reef Alliance

·      Wildlife Conservative Society,

·      Natural Conservancy

·      Ecomar

·      Green Reef

·      Oceana

·      APAMO

·      PACT

·      Belize Audubon Society

·      Placencia Mooring Masters

The reef is Belize’s livelihood and without it Belize as we know it would not exist, therefore conservation of the reef is primal. The hard work of many of these organizations have resulted in the implementation of many conservation laws including:

·      Coral Reef Conservation Act (CRCA)

·      Fishing Regulation in the protected area        

o   Protecting parrotfish, grazers, Nassau grouper (an endangered species)

·      Banning spearfishing within marine reserves

·      No- take Zones in protected areas:

o   South Water Caye, Sapodilla Cayes marine reserves, and Pelican Cayes

The goals for protection of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserves include working with local fishermen to manage the use of the reserve, raising public awareness of the value of the ocean, and to maintain fishing regulations. Conservation of the Belize Barrier Reef not only allows for the growth and development of a diverse eco-system, but also for maintaining the aesthetic beauty for all divers to experience such an amazing wonder.

Many local organizations that call Placencia home are active in reef conservation.

Splash Dive Center facilitates many community projects such as Splash Kids Club, The Placencia Mooring Masters lion fish culling. Through Splash Kids Club, local children are given the opportunity to become professional divers, and are thought about the importance of reef conservation. The Placencia Mooring Masters is a community organization that protect Belize's Reef through the installation of anchor mooring buoys, to prevent permanent damage to the reef caused by dropped anchors and their dragging chains. Splash has paid for mooring buoys at Silk Cayes and Laughing Bird National Park and has provided dive equipment to assist with the installations.  Together we all can protect the Belize Barrier Reef.

Contact Patty at patricia@splashbelize.com to find out how you can help us protect the Belize Barrier Reef!

Your Top 3 ‘Must Visit’ Islands in Belize

Belize is a natural beauty filled with an array of diversity. In Belize islands are commonly called ‘cayes’, pronounced ‘keys’. This tiny English speaking country is certainly blessed with many beautiful and immaculate islands, which are but only a short distance away from one another. My top three must visit islands are: San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Laughing Bird Caye National Park.

San Pedro Ambergris Caye is known to be the largest of Belize’s offshore islands and the most developed island- here you can dive the Christ of the Abyss.  The town, San Pedro, is where you will find the most populated part of the island, equipped with an array of lodging, dining, shopping, and nightlife. The island is known as ‘La Isla Bonita’, translated in English as, ‘The Beautiful Island’, a nickname given by Madonna’s hit song, ‘La Isla Bonita’. Tours and activities on the island range from easy, moderate, to strenuous. Choose your adventure: have a relaxing sunset cruise with your loved one, or take a short boat ride out to the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, to snorkel or dive.  San Pedro is said to have been a Maya Trading Post, and the evidence of this exist today, be sure to visit the Marco Gonzalez Maya Site, and unfold the mysteries of the Mayas. With all this said, sure enough it is no surprise that this island has been rated the #1 Island in the world on TripAdvisor.

Take it easy and simply ‘Go Slow’ visiting Caye Caulker. Caye Caulker is located nearby to San Pedro Ambergris Caye, but it is a distinctive atmosphere to San Pedro- here be sure to dive the Hol Chan Marine Reserve for a great reef experience. Looking for paved roads? This cannot be found in Caye Caulker! Kick off your shoes and experience the island life, strolling on the sandy streets. This island has a laid back Caribbean vibe and is popular amongst backpackers, budget travelers and lately even honeymooners, looking for an island escape.  The friendly people of Caye Caulker gives Caye Caulker the nickname, ‘La Isla Carinosa’, translated in English as, ‘Charming Island’, and charming it is. Many locals as well as visitors enjoy the entertainment and swimming at ‘The Split Beach’, a narrow channel that has divided the Island in two. I definitely recommend experiencing the true meaning of Caye Caulker’s motto, “Go Slow”.

This upcoming ‘must visit’ island takes you to Southern Belize. Laughing Bird Caye National Park is located approximately eleven miles off the coast of Placencia Village, Stann Creek District. What is most unique about this island is that it stands on an elongated ridge of reef (faro). Due to its location and form it attracts an abundance and variety of coral habitats and marine life. Unlike, San Pedro Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker, this island is secluded, and uninhabited by humans. Laughing Bird Caye is a protected area and is also listed as a World Heritage Site. Diving, fishing, and snorkeling in this area, is a true natural marine experience that can easily be arranged through licensed tour operators such as: Splash Dive Center Belize.

Belize is a natural beauty and is filled hundreds of picturesque islands. However, if you are planning to experience Belize we do recommend visiting these top three ‘must visit’ islands.

Needing more information on Belize and its Islands be sure to contact Patty patricia@splashbelize.com  or visit us at www.splashbelize.com

September a Festive Month- Independence Day and Jump Up Time

Independence Day and Jump Up Time

Belize: Adorned in Red, White, and Blue, the sound of the marching bands and the loud trumpets can be heard, commemorating the history of what has become Belize. Belize is the Land of the Free, and by listening to Belize’s many national, and historical September Celebration songs including Belize’s National Anthem, we can feel the vibration of the drums and the rhythm of the proud patriotic march.

Belize gained its Independence on September 21, 1981 and it was on this day that the Belizean flag was raised, and the Belize’s National Anthem song by all inhabitants, who proudly called themselves: ‘Belizeans’ for the very first time. Today, the entire month of September is packed with events, all aimed at celebrating Belize. This year September celebration theme is “Belize in you, Belize in me, Land of the Free!”

The Celebration began with the National Song Competition that was held on Saturday, August 10. On this day Belizeans gathered to participate in a three-song category competition: Junior, Patriotic, and Carnival. The winning songs will be used extensively throughout this year’s September Celebration.

Other popular historical events that will be taking place this year September includes: Carnival Mass Camp, Queen of the Bay Pageant, Carnival Queen and King Competition, St. George’s Caye citizen parade, Carnival Jouvert, Carnival Road March, and on the 20^th midnight Belize Independence Ceremony and fire works display.

For many and myself included September is one of the best times to celebrate with locals and experience the patriotism of Belizeans. The Belize Carnival is one of the most colorful, energized, and creative, event in September. The soca and punta music on this day will have you shaking your bum as you view the bright, and picturesque costumes.  Plan on visiting Belize this September celebration and experience the festivities on this tropical Caribbean paradise. Be sure to check out the official Calendar of Events click here.

Learn more about Belize by contacting Patty at patricia@splashbelize.com and learn how you can be part of the celebrations!

Belize: Summer in December

Belize - Summer In December

Usually December means winter: one of the coldest seasons of the year. Fortunately this is not true for Belize. Belize is a tropical country all year-round! The average high in Belize during this time is is 80 F. (26 C.) and the average low is 71 F (21 C.).  Belize is the perfect escape from winter as it is a mere 2 hours flight from the United States of America.

Why not take a family winter vacation in the small tropical English-speaking land of Belize?

Who says that you cannot take a family dream winter vacation in the deep blue? The waters in Belize are warm and perfect for snorkeling or diving, even in December. Extend your summer days to December scuba diving, snorkeling, or just relaxing in the inner cayes near Placencia, Belize. Visit Belize’s Great Barrier Reef and the three atolls: Glover’s Reef, Turneffe, and Lighthouse.  You will surely not regret this winter vacation.

Forget about packing your sweaters and coats this winter and bring along your hiking boots or sundresses. Spend time on land exploring the natural beauty of the rainforest, the mysteries of the Mayan Temples, the largest cave system in Central America, and last but not least visiting the only Jaguar reserve in the world. With all the natural wonders found in this tiny country it is not surprising that 80% of the rainforest in Belize is under government protection. Belize is home to a diverse number of animals, birds, and other unique species.

As winter sets in the Northern Hemisphere many species of birds flock to warmer areas such as Belize. Why not join them?  If you enjoy birding I would definitely recommend visiting Belize. Belize covers 44.8% of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, uniting goals of conservation in the Central America Region and Mexico. Experience more than just the evergreens this winter in Belize.

Start planning your great winter escape today by contacting Patty at patricia@splashbelize.com

Summer in December awaits you in Belize!