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 19th 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.
