VACATION GUIDE TO BELIZE CULTURE: PEOPLE, CUSTOMS & ANNUAL EVENTS
A Melting Pot of Cultures ...
Belizeans have long described themselves as a “Caribbean nation” that just happens to be in Central America, for they have more in common with the distant islands on the Caribbean than their next-door neighbors of Central America. They share a British heritage, the English language and cultural influences such as music, dance and folklore. Belize’s colorful history has blessed the country with a diverse and rich cultural heritage. Generations of racial mixing have made it impossible to describe the “typical” Belizean, with a complete range of skin tones and eye colors. And despite the diversity, there is strong national pride and unity, where everyone, despite their varying ethnic backgrounds, describes themselves first and foremost as a Belizean.
Faces will captivate you as you travel the country. Direct descendants of the ancient Maya can still be found in remote villages. The Garifuna, a mixture of escaped African slaves and Caribbean Indians, arrived in Belize in the early 1800’s after an epic 200-year persecution by European powers across the Caribbean. The Mestizos (a mixture of Spanish and Indian descent) found refuge from war-ravaged countries in Central America. The Mennonites, a hardworking and intensely private community, have also found a home in Belize. They are part of a resilient religious sect that traces its roots back to 16th century Netherlands, similar to the Amish in Pennsylvania. Also, in recent years there has been a flux of East Indian, Syrian, Lebanese and Chinese immigrants into the country. Add to this mix a group of international wayfarers (including many Americans and Europeans) who wandered into Belize, fell in love and never left, and the result is a people of storybook character that are as warm and welcoming as the tropical weather.
All these cultures have their own unique languages, celebrations, religions and cuisines. Although the official language is English, as you travel the country you are likely to hear Creole (the most widely spoken language), Spanish, Mayan (who have conserved their language through the centuries), Garifuna (the Africanized language of the Garifuna), Chinese, the archaic German of the Mennonites, Hindi, and countless other colorful languages. Belize, as such, is a combination of these cultures. Belizean cuisine for example borrows elements from English, Mexican and Caribbean dishes, where coconut milk, spices and fried plantains add a tropical flavor. Another important aspect of Belizean culture is music and dancing. From the Garinagu’s Africanized celebrations with deep drums, to the laid-back Caribbean vibes of reggae, you’ll never find Belizeans sitting politely through a party without dancing. For most Belizeans, this diverse cultural heritage is as much a national treasure as the Barrier Reef and Mayan ruins.
Lita Krohn has a profound expertise on the culture and history of Belize. She was a professor of History at St. John’s College. She was the director of the Belize House of Culture. And now she is the director of the museum of Belize. In this interview she talks about the different cultural annual events like Garifuna Settlement Day, Independence Day Celebrations, Maya Dear Dance and sporting events like the Ruta Maya River Challenge. She also talks about Belize’s cultural diversity a unique mixture of different ethnic groups who together share the unifying cultural identify of being Belizean. Watch Video >>>
Where to Go
Anywhere you go in Belize you'll get to experience the diversity of local culture in Belize. Striking up a conversation with any Belizean is sure to yield some colorful stories. In addition, there are a many annual events that celebrate the country's various cultures. Below is a brief description of the culture in these different destinations that should help you in choosing where to go.
San Ignacio: The majority of residents in San Ignacio town are of Mestizo descent. Every year in March, the Ruta Maya River Challenge starts here. This is 3 day competition canoeing 180 miles where thousands of Belizeans gather. Blue Creek Village is nearby where you'll find the unique culture of the Mennonites.
Ambergris Caye: The majority of residents here are of Mestizo descent. They speak both Spanish, English and of course Belize's universal language, Creole. On June they celebrate Lobster Fest, a fun event with lots of music, drinks and all the lobster you can eat. In this month they also celebrate El Dia de San Pedro, another fun festival.
Placencia: This peninsula actually has a unique cultural heritage with quite a bit of European blood among the locals, probably from pirates. Light colored eyes, blonde hair and some beautiful skintones are common. In June they celebrate Lobster Fest, a fun event with lots of music, drinks and all the lobster you can eat. Nearyby you'll find the small Garifuna Vilalge of Seine Bight. Their traditional dancing and drumming are amazing.
Caye Caulker: The majority of residents here are of Mestizo descent. They speak both Spanish, English and of course Belize's universal language, Creole. On June they celebrate Lobster Fest, a fun event with lots of music, drinks and all the lobster you can eat. Also, when you're on the island you have to meet Ras Creek, a local Rhastafarian that is quite a character.
Dangriga: This is a Garifuna town on the southern coast of Belize. This unique culture emerged from the intermarriage of African slaves and Caribbean Indians. They have preserved their languange and cultural traditions for decades. On November they celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day, the day in which they landed in Belize. They reenact the arrival by canoe followed by a big party.
Punta Gorda: Just west of Punta Gorda town you'll find dozens of Mayan villages in the jungle. They live in thatched roof huts and still preserve a lot of their traditions. A trip to visit one of these village is a must for anyone with an interest in Mayan culture. A couple times a year they do their traditional Deer Dance, which is quite a site. In May Punta Gorda celebrates the Cacao Festival, which commemorates the various organic cacao farmers in the area (used to make chocolate).
Belize City: This is where the country was founded, so you'll find a great deal of cultural and historic landmarks here. In September, the celebrations for Independence Day are spectacular with loud and colorful parades, parties, food and drinks. A lot of Belizeans come out the celebrate this fun event.
