Tag:
Garifuna Settlement Day
Arts & Culture
Island celebrations for Garifuna Settlement Day dampened by Tropical Storm Sara
This year, Tropical Storm Sara put a damper on Garifuna Settlement Day activities on the island, leading to the cancellation of the main celebrations. Although there were drumming events at establishments operated by the Garifuna community, traditional events such as parades, large concerts, and the Yurumein (the re-enactment of the arrival of the Garifuna people in Belize) were notably absent. Despite this, the public and bank holiday allowed islanders to enjoy traditional Garifuna dishes, including the popular Hudut.
Government
2025 Public and Bank Holiday Schedule Announced
On Monday, October 21st, the Government of Belize officially announced the public and bank holiday schedule for 2025. These holidays, as outlined in the First and Second Schedules of the Holidays Act (Chapter 289 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011), will be observed on specific dates throughout the year 2025, in accordance with Section 3 of the Act.
Arts & Culture
National Garifuna Council announces theme for 2024 Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations
On September 23rd, the National Garifuna Council (NGC) proudly revealed the theme for the 19th Garifuna Celebrations 2024: "Afeduha waméi wagücha, afareinha waméi wanichigu - Celebrating the roots of the Garifuna culture!" This theme, inspired by Biviana McDougall, a teacher from Gulisi Community Primary School and chosen by the committee from the Garifuna Language Commission, underscores the significance of honoring cultural, familial, and historical origins. It highlights traditions and values that have shaped the Garifuna community, emphasizing the vital role of passing down knowledge, values, and experiences to future generations.
Community and Society
First Garifuna Settlement Day Fishing Tournament awards top teams
The long holiday weekend commemorating the arrival of the Garifuna people to Belize was celebrated with the first fishing tournament in its honor. Held on Sunday, November 19th, the over-the-water bar and grill Overseas hosted the fishing rodeo, attracting close to 20 teams. The long-day competition saw some of the best anglers rom the island, but only one team could take the grand prize home. At the end of the day, team The Navy, manned by Kristian Marin, Jailene Ancona, and Guillermo Nuñez, were the winners. They also took the top prize for the heaviest fish (Wahoo, 39lbs) and top angler.
Community and Society
Garifuna Settlement Day celebrated on the island
The Garifuna community of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye joined the national Garifuna Settlement Day celebration over the weekend with parades, an all-night concert, and the traditional Yurumein, which is the re-enactment of the arrival of the Garinagu people to Belize in 1832. The annual public and bank holiday, celebrated on November 19th, was observed this year under the theme ‘Wаmúа, wаnісhіgu lubá ámuñеgü: óundаrunі hаmа nіburеіntіаn lun lаbаgаrіdu Gаrіfunа – Оur lаnd, оur сulturе, оur futurе: involving our уоuth fоr Gаrіfunа ѕurvіvаl.”
Arts & Culture
San Pedro Town celebrates Garifuna Settlement Day
Despite the inclement weather, Garifuna Settlement Day was celebrated in San Pedro Town on Saturday, November 19th, with the traditional Yurumein re-enactment of the arrival of the Garifuna people to Belize in 1832, a parade, mass, and cultural day. The annual public and bank holiday were celebrated under the theme ‘Вun, Аmürü Nu Наgаbürіbеі Gаrіnаgu; Аwаnѕеrаmеmе Wаmá Lаu,’ which means ‘I for you, You for me is the Garifuna Way: Let us Continue to Move Forward.’
Arts & Culture
Activities announced for Garifuna Settlement Day in San Pedro
The island Garifuna community has prepared a program listing the celebrations regarding this year’s Garifuna Settlement Day. The activities started on Tuesday, November 15th, with drumming sessions at the central park and will span through the 19th, when the Garifuna Settlement Day, a public and bank holiday, will be observed across the country.
Community and Society
Ambergris Caye celebrates Garifuna Settlement Day
Every year on November 19th, Belize celebrates the Garifuna culture by honoring the arrival of the Garinagu people to Belize in 1802. This year, the Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations were again observed on the La Isla Bonita with traditional drumming, dancing, singing, and the re-enactment of the Garifuna’s arrival to the country performed at Central Park.
