How to Commemorate Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize
Communities in Southern Belize will be adorned in yellow, black, and white in honor of Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19th! This day commemorates the landing of the biggest assembly of Garinagu in Belize. They arrived in 1823 after being exiled from St. Vincent. The holiday was officially declared on November 19, 1943. Prepare for an exciting time filled with spirited contests, dynamic concerts, reverent church gatherings, and jovial community events!
Looking for things to do in Belize this time of the year? This vibrant celebration honors the arrival of the Garifuna people to Belize, marking their rich culture and heritage. Festivities usually start with a re-enactment of the Garifuna landing in Belize. This event often features Belize’s traditional music, dance, and food.
Throughout the day, you will experience lively parades filled with colorful costumes, drumming, and dancing. The rhythmic beats of the Garifuna drums echo through the streets, inviting everyone to join in the celebration. This is the perfect time if you’re planning on traveling to Belize and immersing in Belize’s culture and cuisine.
Local communities gather to share their tasty dishes. Must-try Garifuna foods include hudut, a soup made with fish, plantains, and cassava bread. These dishes are important staples of Garifuna Belize’s cuisine.
In addition to the festivities, organizers hold educational events to raise awareness about the Garifuna culture and history. Workshops, storytelling sessions, and art exhibitions help us understand the Garifuna way of life. They show their struggles and contributions to Belizean society.
As the sun sets, the celebrations go on with music and dance. This creates a festive atmosphere that brings people of all ages together.
Garifuna Settlement Day is a wonderful event. It brings together locals and visitors. You can experience the warmth and spirit of the Garifuna community by joining in. So, wear your yellow, black, and white, and join in the festivities to honor this important cultural heritage!
Here’s a primer to help you begin:
Experience the Garifuna Culture in Belize
Join a traditional Garifuna village to learn about their lifestyle and the culture in Belize. You can take drum lessons or cooking classes. Give the Garifuna drums a try and create a rhythm to dance to! Whether it’s Wanaragua or Punta Rock, you’re sure to have a blast getting your groove on during your next Belize vacation.
Choose a personalized experience to prepare a hot pot of hudut and sere. Savor a hearty meal filled with the flavors of coconut, plantain, spices, herbs, and crispy fried fish. The Garifuna Cultural Experience will undoubtedly prepare you for days filled with vibrant activities.
Culinary Delights & Festivities and Garifuna Melody Contest
Savor a variety of delectable Garifuna dishes available throughout the night! As a guest at Food & Fete, you will enjoy delicious traditional dishes and desserts. These include bundiga, darasa, cassava pudding, and cassava bread.
As you enjoy your meal, the organizers give awards to important people for their work in the Garifuna community. The evening continues with the announcement of the Garifuna Song Contest winner and live performances. It is a wonderful event!
Drum Battle Showdown
Following scrumptious dinners, experience another fantastic evening of Garifuna tunes at the Drum Battle showdown. Enjoy performances in Dangriga, Seine Bight, Georgetown, and Belize City.
They will compete for several awards. These include Best Wanaragua Dancer, Best Chumba Performance, and Most Exciting Sisira Performance. They will also vie for Best Group Gayusa and Best Uniformed Group. The suspense-filled performances will captivate you as you strive to become the Battle of the Drums champion!
Concerts Galore
Garifuna Settlement Day is renowned for its musical entertainment leading to sunrise on November 19th. Get your beauty rest for an all-night party on November 18th.
Experience live shows from dynamic bands, renowned DJs, and iconic performers. Feel your pulse race with each drumbeat and conch shell blast. The evening entertainment during a Garifuna Settlement Day celebration is unparalleled.
Yurumein
Join the audience along the coast. Enjoy the golden dawn and calm blue ocean. Listen as songs and music fill the air. Yurumein, which translates to “St. Vincent,” the ancestral land of the Garinagu, recreates their voyage to Belize.
After the Yurumein, there is a parade to the church for a special mass. This mass honors Garifuna Settlement Day.
Day Trip to the Islands
Venture to the offshore islands of Southern Belize to relax on untouched beaches and clear waters. If you are in Dangriga, Hopkins, Placencia, or Punta Gorda, the offshore islands are a great way to relax.
Explore the colorful coral reef by snorkeling. You can also dive deeper to see more sea life on a scuba trip. Relax under the clear blue sky at places like Tobacco Caye, South Water Caye Marine Reserve, Silk Cayes, Moho Caye, and Snake Cayes. These spots offer the perfect tropical getaway.
Experience a joyous celebration of Garifuna Settlement Day by visiting Belize in November. The National Garifuna Council‘s calendar of activities covers the whole country. This way, everyone can enjoy the history, food, and music. Don’t let the opportunity slip to participate in this vibrant festivity!
Discover the top Belize attractions like exploring colorful coral reefs while snorkeling in the Great Blue Hole. You can also dive deeper to see many different marine life species. Enjoy the bright blue skies at popular places like Tobacco Caye, South Water Caye Marine Reserve, Silk Cayes, Moho Caye, and Snake Cayes.
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