The 10th annual Garifuna Attire Fashion Show took place for the first time in San Pedro on Friday, October 16th, at Corona del Mar. As part of the Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations, the event featured clothing from Gulisi’s Closet, along with music, drumming, and dance.
The National Garifuna Council, its San Pedro branch, and Crazy House Restaurant and Bar organized the show in collaboration. Sponsors included the Belize Tourism Board, Lost Gringo Restaurant and Bar, and Corona del Mar.
Following a weather delay, the event began shortly after 7PM, with Garifuna drumming welcoming attendees at the entrance. Raphael Martinez, vice president of the National Garifuna Council, served as master of ceremonies.
Joshua Arana and his three daughters led the national anthem and national prayer in Garifuna, followed by a welcome address from San Pedro Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Nunez. “This is the first fashion show of its kind held in our town…Garifuna culture is a treasured part of our national identity… We continue to honor our ancestors and preserve our heritage for future generations,” Nunez stated.
Martinez explained that San Pedro is home to one of the National Garifuna Council’s 12 branches, which extend from Libertad to Barranco. He described the fashion initiative as an opportunity to showcase traditional Garifuna clothing while preserving and sharing cultural heritage.
The featured brand, Gulisi’s Closet, is a family-run business based in Dangriga, also known as Peini. With more than 25 years of experience sewing and designing Garifuna cultural attire, the brand incorporates traditional brown cotton, checkered fabrics, and distinctive prints into its clothing. The brand presented its designs under the phrase “Cultural Attire Made in Peini.”
Ten models showcased clothing for everyday wear and special occasions. The garments modeled were available for purchase, along with T-shirts from Crazy House. Food and drinks, including Garifuna dishes, were also on sale.
The program included a Jankunu dance interlude, a drumming presentation by Arana and his three daughters, and a cultural dance presentation from Seine Bight.
For Martinez, the event’s purpose extended beyond the runway. He emphasized the importance of preserving and safeguarding traditional attire as part of Garifuna cultural heritage and sharing it with others. He also highlighted staff members wearing cultural attire and noted the mayor’s black, white, and yellow clothing. “It’s my first time here, doing this, and I’m sure I will be back again next year,” Martinez said.
The show’s San Pedro debut brought together fashion, language, music, drumming, and dance, extending the annual event’s reach and giving residents and visitors a chance to experience and celebrate Garifuna heritage.