Drums,
dancing, food, art,
education and traditions… – commemorates the Garifuna culture in celebration
of the 204th anniversary of the arrival on November 19th, of the Garinagu
to Belizean shores.
Originally celebrated only in southern Belize, today the celebrations are spread
throughout the country. November 1 marked the official start of the celebrations
with a multitude of events aimed at keeping the culture,
traditions and the achievements of the Garinagu alive in the hearts
and minds of Belizeans and visitors alike.
For many Belizeans “Garifuna” is synonymous with the “waist winding” rhythm of
the contemporary Punta rock music- a product of modern musical instruments
blended with the traditional beat of the primero
(percussion) and segundo (bass) drums. Ubiquitous at healing ceremonies, spiritual
rituals, wakes, parties and celebrations, the drums, accompanied by vocalists telling
of the history,
folk tales traditions and personal stories of the Garinagu, are very much a part
of daily life in many Garifuna towns and villages in southern Belize.
However, the Garifuna
culture offers so much more including vivid
art depicting the history
and culture; and rich cuisine made with exotic combinations of
coconut milk, fish, ripe and green bananas and plantains, cassava and
assorted ground foods. Within the Garifuna culture, a deep reverence for the
spirits of ancestors lend themselves to intricate healing ceremonies called “dugus” which
exist alongside active participation in the organized Christian religions. (The
senior Roman Catholic bishop of Belize, Rev.
O.P. Martin, is Garifuna, hailing from Dangriga.)
 The annual celebrations of for Garifuna Settlement Day are spearheaded by the National Garifuna Council and include activities such as:
- A National Garifuna Social Studies Quiz contest
- National Solidarity Mass
- Miss Garifuna Pageants
- A Symposium on Inter-Cultural Education
- Annual Punta Fest
- Art Exhibitions by renowned Garifuna artist, Pen Cayetano
- Battle of the Drums (drumming contest)
- Fisherman’s Festival
- All night drumming and dancing on November 18th
And on November 19th:
This year the theme is:
Wabaraoungoun Meme Larigi 25 Irumu
"After 25 Years, We Continue To Move Forward"
For more information:
NGCBelize.org
Images courtesy of:
Tony Rath Photography
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