For a truly authentic and vibrant experience during your travels in Belize, the festivities surrounding Garifuna Settlement Day is perhaps Belize’s best cultural happening.
Origins of Garifuna Settlement Day
The origins of Garifuna Settlement Day begin with a fascinating and important history about the Garifuna culture. The Garinagu people are the descendants of both shipwrecked West African slaves and indigenous Lokono (Carib and Arawak tribes) who were exiled by the British from the Caribbean island of St. Vincent after the Second Carib War ended in 1797.
Initially, the expelled went to Roatán which would later become part of Honduras in 1859. After, their migration took them to the Caribbean coasts along Central America‘s mainland where there are now Garifuna in Honduras, Guatemala and even Nicaragua.
Now, every year on November 19th, the entire country celebrates the arrival of the Garinagu people in 1823 into Belize. The festival was founded in 1941 by Thomas Vincent Ramos, a civil rights activist who wanted to call attention to the Garifuna culture. Though it wasn’t until 1977 that this day became a national holiday in Belize, it is now considered a beloved institution with celebrations taking place throughout the country.
Celebrations Start The Day Before
The festivities begin the night before Garifuna Settlement Day with all of the elements of a proper celebration—eating, drinking, dancing, music. People from all over the world can be found beating traditional drums with the locals under thatched roofs along the beach all the way to sunrise. For a most rewarding experience it’s best to arrive a couple of days before and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the locale where you choose to enjoy this cultural holiday.
On the morning of Garifuna Settlement Day, the locals recreate the arrival of their ancestors by wearing traditional clothing and making their way to shore in canoes filled with cassava leaves. Along the shores are crowds cheering their arrival and once on land, now it’s on! The festivities will flow out onto the streets where there will be dancing and music. There will also be a traditional church services followed by parades and more celebrating the Garifuna culture.
Best Places To Go To Celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day
Dangriga
For it’s size and historical importance, the best place in Belize to participate in the festivities surrounding Garifuna Settlement Day is in the Stann Creek District’s capital of Dangriga which is the area where the Garifuna first arrived into Belize. Located in the south of Belize, Dangriga is also the birthplace of Punta Rock and here you will find what exemplifies the Garifuna culture in spades. A visit to the Gulisi Garifuna Museum would be a great way to introduce yourself to the history of the Garifuna!
Seine Beight
Much smaller than Dangriga, Seine Beight is further south in Belize on the Placencia Peninsula just north of Placencia. This small and charming fishing village has the chillest of vibes and a number of excellent places along the peninsula to stay and enjoy the beaches and surrounding.
Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda in the Toldeo District is in the most southern part of Belize bordering both Honduras and Guatemala. It is here where you might find the best place to celebrate if looking you are looking for a cultural experience mixed in with some excellent adventures into nature over the course of a few days. This would also be where you’ll find the legendary Battle of the Drums which takes place around the time of Garifuna Settlement Day.
