Garifuna

The Garifuna people are a vibrant Afro-Indigenous community in Belize, with a rich history of resilience, cultural preservation, and contributions to Belizean society. Descended from a unique blend of West Africans, Arawaks, and Kalinago, the Garinagu originated on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent, known to them as Yurumein. After resisting British colonization, they were forcibly exiled in 1796, enduring a tragic journey that led them to Roatán, Honduras, and eventually to the shores of Belize in the early 1800s.

Today, Garifuna communities thrive in coastal villages such as Barranco, Seine Bight, Hopkins, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda. Traditionally skilled in fishing, farming, and education, the Garinagu have played a significant role in shaping Belize’s cultural and economic landscape. Their language, music, and dance—especially the energetic Punta rhythm—are recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Garifuna Settlement Day, celebrated annually on November 19th, honors their arrival in Belize and their lasting contributions to the nation. This public holiday is marked with drumming, dancing, reenactments, and festivities across the country, showcasing the enduring spirit of the Garifuna people.

Photos courtesy of Battle of the Drums.