Mestizo
The Mestizo people of Belize trace their origins to other parts of Central America, with many families in Toledo descending from migrants who arrived from Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Surnames like Martinez, Hernandez, and Caliz are common among those who settled and established villages such as Big Falls, while others from across the region formed communities like Bella Vista. Unlike the Mestizos of northern Belize, whose ancestry is more closely tied to Mexico, the Hispanic population of Toledo has stronger historical connections to Belize’s southern neighbors. Over time, these communities have become an integral part of the district’s cultural and social fabric.
Mestizos in Toledo are typically multilingual, speaking Spanish, Kriol, and English fluently. Their cultural influence is evident in local cuisine, where dishes like pupusas, salbutes, garnaches, tostadas, and tacos have become favorites throughout Belize. Many Mestizo families continue to observe traditional customs while embracing modern Belizean life. Through their language, food, and traditions, the Mestizo people of Toledo contribute to the district’s rich cultural diversity and its close ties to the broader Central American region.

Garnaches is a popular street food throughout Belize. Photo credit: Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle
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