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On Settlement Day, November 19th, reenactments of the landing of the first boats of the Garinagu in Belize are performed in town celebrations. San Pedro witnessed the tradition once more on Settlement Day, when at six a.m., boats filled with colorfully dressed Garifuna people came on shore.
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The survival of Garifuna culture over the centuries is a testament to the community’s strength of spirit. Despite the experience of intense physical hardships, the Garifuna maintain a distinct identity embodied in their unique language, religion and traditions. For the past month, festivities and events to commemorate their arrival on our shores on November 19th have been held in communities nationwide. Their infectious music and dance help to preserve and celebrate the Garifuna culture and provides a stronger presence of the Garifuna in Belize. Despite a few misunderstandings, in San Pedro it was no different, and all week, the council held awareness day, a cultural expo, a drumming competition and even a candle light vigil.
This year marked 206 years that the Garifuna arrived in Belize. Primary schools and other activists were still seen keeping the heritage alive with several cultural presentations, parades around town and education of the culture in the schools. Last Thursday, a Garifuna Awareness Day at the Central Park was held where they featured a Hudut and T-Shirt sale, and of course drumming.
Indeed, the Garifuna found many reasons to celebrate, and their excitement is infectious, not to mention their delectable traditional dishes. The San Pedro Garifuna Council would like to give special thanks to all the sponsors of this year’s Garifuna Settlement Day Celebrations. This years theme was fitting; “Iun rahowa hama meme isanigu lidoun garifunaduau lau pantau”, “Continuing to proudly empower our children in their Garifuna heritage.”
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