The Garifuna people of Belize are a unique and vibrant cultural group that has contributed greatly to the diversity and richness of Belizean society. Their history is a tale of resistance, resilience, and adaptation, making them one of the most fascinating cultures in the world. In this article, we’ll delve into the history and culture of the Garifuna people, and recommend Davis Falls Inn in Pomona, Stann Creek District as a great place to learn more about their way of life.
The Garifuna people are descendants of West and Central African, Arawak, and Carib peoples. Their ancestors were brought to the Caribbean as slaves and eventually escaped to the island of St. Vincent in the late 1600s. There, they intermarried with the indigenous Arawak and Carib peoples, forming a unique Afro-indigenous culture. The Garifuna people were able to maintain their distinct culture and language despite colonial attempts to assimilate them, making them one of the few indigenous groups in the Caribbean to have done so.
In the late 18th century, the Garifuna people fought a series of wars against the British colonial powers in St. Vincent. Despite putting up fierce resistance, the Garifuna were eventually defeated, and the British exiled them to the island of Roatán off the coast of Honduras. From there, they spread to Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the United States.
Today, the Garifuna people are an important part of Belizean culture. They have their own language, music, and dance, which have been recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Garifuna music is characterized by the use of drums, maracas, and the guitar, and is an important part of social and religious gatherings.
Garifuna cuisine is also a highlight of Belizean cuisine. Their most famous dish is hudut, a fish soup made with coconut milk and served with mashed plantains. Cassava bread, made from grated cassava, is another staple of Garifuna cuisine.
If you want to learn more about the Garifuna people, there’s no better place to do so than Davis Falls Inn in Pomona Village, Stann Creek District. This charming and rustic inn is owned and operated by a Belizean family, who are passionate about sharing their culture with visitors. The inn offers cultural tours to nearby villages where visitors can experience traditional Garifuna life firsthand.
During your stay at Davis Falls Inn, you can also explore the nearby attractions of the Stann Creek District. The district is home to the Mayflower Bocawina National Park, which boasts some of the best waterfall rappelling and zip-lining in Belize. You can also visit the nearby Garifuna villages of Hopkins and Dangriga, where you can sample more Garifuna cuisine and music.
The Garifuna people of Belize are a unique and vibrant cultural group that is well worth learning about. If you’re planning a trip to Belize, we highly recommend staying at Davis Falls Inn in Pomona, Stann Creek District, where you can experience traditional Garifuna life and learn about its rich cultural heritage.
