Every year on November 19th, Belize commemorates the arrival of the Garifuna people—also known as the Garinagu—to its shores with much fanfare. An afro-indigenous people, the Garinagu carry with them a rich heritage and a vibrant history, and Garifuna Settlement Day is undoubtedly one of the country’s most anticipated holidays of the year. This unique celebration features plenty of traditional music, historical reenactments, and, of course, delectable cultural food. It’s an occasion that should definitely be experienced by anyone visiting Belize, especially its southern communities, in the month of November. Here’s what you need to know about this special day on the Belizean calendar.
The Colorful History of the Garinagu
The story of Belize’s Garifuna people begins over 300 years ago, in the waters of the Eastern Caribbean. Sometime around 1675, a group of ships carrying enslaved West Africans sank just off the coast of the island of St. Vincent. The African survivors of that shipwreck sought refuge on the island and would find themselves welcomed by its indigenous population, the Kalinago. The intermarrying of the island’s indigenous people and those shipwreck survivors would lead to the creation of a new ethnic group—the Garinagu.
Eventually, however, years of conflict and unrest between colonial forces and the Garinagu would result in them being exiled from St. Vincent by the British. In the year 1797, some 5,000 Garifuna people were forcefully relocated to the Bay Island of Roatan in Honduras. From there, many of them would migrate to mainland Honduras and then Nicaragua, Guatemala, and, of course, Belize.
On November 19, 1823 the Garifuna people, led by the renowned Alejo Beni, were allowed to settle on the coasts of southern Belize. Over time, the Garifuna people would establish communities throughout the south, including Dangriga Town and villages like Hopkins and Seine Bight.
Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize
In 1941, thanks in no small part to the petitioning of local Garifuna activist Thomas Vincent Ramos, Garifuna Settlement Day was made a public and bank holiday in Belize’s Stann Creek district. Later, in the years that followed, the holiday would be observed throughout the country, eventually becoming a national holiday. Today, countless Belizeans from across the country make an effort to travel south and take part in what has grown to become one of the country’s biggest and most memorable annual celebrations.
Garifuna Settlement Day is a joyous occasion—one that commemorates the arrival of a resilient people to the diverse nation that is Belize. Celebrations often begin several days before the 19th, and include everything from drumming competitions and cultural pageants to block parties.
One of the main highlights of the holiday, however, is the Yurumein—a live reenactment of the day the Garinagu came to Belize via boat. At dawn on the 19th of November, spectators gather on the shores of communities like Dangriga, Hopkins, and Placencia and watch as boats carrying drummers and singers make their way ashore. Quite often, these boats—dugout canoes—are decorated with palm leaves and other plants as well as the traditional black, white, and yellow of the Garifuna flag. Their arrival on shore is followed by music and dancing on the beach. Meanwhile, throughout the course of the day, many Belizeans will celebrate by immersing themselves in all things Garifuna culture, including traditional Garifuna food and music.
Come and Celebrate With Us
This year, Garifuna Settlement Day is being observed under the theme “Celebrating Our Roots; Sharing Our Culture”. In honor of the celebration, The Belize Collection will be offering special menus on November 19th at both the Paddle House at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef and the Grove House at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant. Guests dining with us will get the chance to savor some of the rich flavors of traditional Garifuna dishes like hudut—a creamy coconut broth served with fish and mashed plantains—and sweet cassava pudding.
Staying at Jaguar Reef Lodge? Get to witness firsthand how Belize’s Garifuna communities come alive on Garifuna Settlement Day in Hopkins Village. Expect plenty of dancing, drumming, and lively festivities.
Photo Credit: JC Cuellar Photography
Come and celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day with us and witness the beauty of Belize’s rich culture and heritage at its finest. Happy Garifuna Settlement Day, from The Belize Collection!
