Wishing Belize and Garifuna communities around the world a happy Garifuna Settlement Day today!
It’s November 19 which means it’s a holiday in Belize! Across the country today, communities gather to celebrate one of the nation’s most meaningful holidays to honor the extraordinary journey and enduring culture of the Garifuna people.
Journey to Belize
The story of the Garifuna people began on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent, where African survivors of two shipwrecked slave vessels found refuge among the indigenous Arawak and Carib peoples. Through cultural and biological intermingling, a new ethnic group emerged – the Garifuna.
Following the Second Carib War, British forces expelled the Garifuna from St. Vincent in 1797, first to the island of Balliceaux, and then to Roatán off the coast of Honduras. Despite these hardships, the Garifuna people preserved their cultural identity and sought new horizons, establishing communities along the Central American coast.
The first Garifuna settlers reached Belizean shores in 1802, coming ashore in near what is now Dangriga. A larger group followed in 1823 under the leadership of Alejo Beni. The timing coincided with changes in the regional economy – the abolition of the slave trade in 1808 and subsequent emancipation in 1838 had created a labor shortage in Belize’s logging industry. From their initial landing point in Dangriga, which remains the cultural heart of Garifuna heritage in Belize, they established settlements across the southern coastal regions.
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Cultural Legacy
The Garifuna contribution to Belizean society extends far beyond their initial settlement. From the 1870s through the 1970s, Garifuna teachers traveled throughout Belize, educating children in rural primary schools and sharing their cultural knowledge.
Their musical traditions encompass various styles, each serving specific cultural functions. The Paranda genre addresses social issues and offers messages of hope, while Punta celebrates life through energetic dance. The Wánaragua, performed during Christmas, features intricate footwork that dictates the drum rhythms, with dancers wearing white masks and elaborate headdresses.
Garifuna culinary traditions center around local ingredients, with dishes like hudut – a coconut-based fish soup served with mashed plantains – showcasing their connection to both land and sea. The preparation of traditional foods involves specialized tools, including the ruguma for cassava processing and the híbise for sifting.
Living Heritage
Spiritual practices remain central to Garifuna culture. The Beluria, held nine nights after a death, and the Dügü, a family reunion connecting with ancestral spirits, maintain bonds between the living and deceased family members. These ceremonies emphasize the Garifuna worldview of interconnectedness and mutual respect.
In 2001, UNESCO recognized the significance of Garifuna cultural expressions, declaring their language, music, and dance a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Today, Garifuna communities in Barranco, Georgetown, Seine Bight, Hopkins, Dangriga, Punta Gorda, and Libertad maintain their traditions while adapting to contemporary life.
Each year, the Yurumein reenactment brings this history to life as boats reach the shore carrying traditional crops and drums – a powerful reminder of the Garifuna people’s journey and their lasting impact on Belizean culture. This celebration represents more than historical events; it demonstrates the power of cultural preservation and the strength of a people who turned exile into triumph. Happy Garifuna Settlement Day everyone!
