Guide to Celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize

Southern Belize communities will transform into a burst of yellow, black, and white to celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day! In 1943, November 19 was declared a public and bank holiday to commemorate the arrival of the largest group of Garinagu in Belize in 1823 after exile from St. Vincent. With lively competitions, high-energy concerts, solemn church services, and cheerful community events, you’re in for a fun time! Journey through the South for an adventure and cultural immersion! Here’s a guide to get you started:

Garifuna Cultural Experience

From drumming lessons to cooking classes, immerse yourself in a traditional Garifuna village to learn their way of life. Try a beat on the Garifuna drums to create a tune to dance to! Whether it’s Wanaragua or Punta Rock, you’ll have much fun getting groovy. 

Opt for a one-on-one experience to whip up a steamy pot of hudut and sere. Indulge a hearty dish with flavors of coconut, plantain, spices, herbs, and crunchy fried fish. A Garifuna Cultural Experience will surely gear you up for days of lively activities.

Food & Fete and Garifuna Song Competition

Indulge in an array of mouthwatering Garifuna cuisines to try all night long! As an attendee of the Food & Fete, you’re in for tantalizing flavors of traditional dishes and desserts, such as bundiga, darasa, cassava pudding, and cassava bread. While feasting on your meal, awards are presented to key figures for their contribution to the Garifuna community. The night continues with the Garifuna Song Competition winner’s announcement and live performances, making it a wonderful event!

Battle of the Drums

After delectable meals, enjoy another great night of Garifuna music at the Battle of the Drums competition. Be entertained by groups from Dangriga, Seine Bight, Georgetown, and Belize City to win several awards, such as Best Wanaragua Dancer, Best Chumba Performance, Most Exciting Sisira Performance, Best Group Gayusa, and Best Uniformed Group. You’ll be captivated by the suspense-filled performances to be the Battle of the Drums champion!

Concerts Galore

Garifuna Settlement Day is renowned for its musical entertainment leading up to sunrise on November 19th. Get your beauty rest to prepare an all-night party on November 18th with performances by rhythmic bands, popular DJs, and legendary artists back-to-back. Your adrenaline will skyrocket with every beat of the drums to the blow of the conch shell. The nightlife during a Garifuna Settlement Day celebration is like no other.

Yurumein

Join the crowd lining the shorelines gazing at the golden sunrise and still blue sea as the sound of singing and music resonates. Yurumein meaning “St. Vincent,” the homeland of the Garinagu, re-enacts their journey to Belize. Following the Yurumein, there is a procession to the church for an official mass in honour of Garifuna Settlement Day.

Day Trip to the Islands

Venture to the offshore islands of Southern Belize to relax on untouched beaches and clear waters. Whether you’re staying in Dangriga, Hopkins, Placencia, or Punta Gorda, the offshore islands are the best way to disconnect after a jolly time. Explore the colorful coral reef snorkeling, or go beyond the surface to see more marine life on a diving tour. Unwind under the sunny, blue skies at places, like Tobacco Caye, Southwater Caye Marine Reserve, Silk Cayes, Moho Caye, and Snake Cayes provide the perfect tropical escape.

 Visit Belize in November to have a fun-filled time celebrating Garifuna Settlement Day. The National Garifuna Council calendar of activities expands from north to south of the country so everyone can experience the history, food, and music. Don’t miss the chance to take part in this lively celebration!