When you think of November, Thanksgiving would be the first thing that comes to mind for most. But, November in Belize signals the celebration of Garifuna Settlement Day, which involves the rich history and cultural immersion of the Garifuna people to Belize.
Garifuna Culture in Belize
Garifuna Dance
Garifuna Cuisine
Another major part of the Garifuna culture is food. Garifuna cuisine is rich in flavor and usually includes fish, cassava, coconut, and plantains. The most commonly served Garifuna meal is Hudut, a mashed plantain served alongside a coconut-based fish stew with cassava bread called Serre.
2019 Calendar of Cultural Activities: San Pedro Branch of the National Garifuna Council:
Miss Garifuna Pageant: October 26th.
Miss Garifuna 2019-2020 for San Pedro is 16-year-old, Dana Reyes! Reyes moves on to represent the island for the National Miss Garifuna Pageant on November 2nd, 2019, in the Capital, Belmopan City.
Live Drumming at Central Park and Boca del Rio Park: November 2nd and 3rd
Live drumming will take place at Central Park on Saturday, November 2nd, and the Boca del Rio Park Sunday, November 3rd, with both dates start at 7 P.M.
Garifuna Translation Workshop: November 6th.
There will be a Garifuna Translation Workshop for all island teachers who are interested in raising awareness on the importance of keeping the language alive for the younger generation.
Garifuna Mass: November 10th.
The San Pedro Roman Catholic Church will host a Garifuna mass at 10 A.M.
Drumming Competition: November 11th.
At Central Park, there will be a drumming competition starting at 7 P.M.
Social Studies Night: November 12th.
The San Pedro Town Public Library will host a Social Studies night, starting at 7 P.M., that will concentrate on the importance of the Garifuna culture and its contribution to Belize.
Storytelling at the Town Public Library: November 14th.
Storytelling at the Town Public Library will be open to the general public.
Garifuna Awareness Day: November 15th.
Primary schools across the island will converge at the Boca del Rio Park at 9 A.M. for a Garifuna Awareness Day. The highlight will be the reenactment of the Garifuna people’s arrival to the Belizean shores.
The 186th Anniversary of the Arrival of Garinagu People to Belize: November 18th.
There will be official celebrations to commemorate the 186th anniversary of the arrival of Garinagu people to Belize, starting at 8 P.M. Some events include the official coronation of the Miss Garifuna San Pedro 2019, live cultural presentations, music, and, of course, drumming all night long to bring in the 19th.
Official Yurumein: November 19th.
At dawn, the official Yurumein or reenactment of the arrival of the Garifuna to Belize will be center stage. It is followed shortly by a parade through the principal streets of San Pedro Town, and it ends with an all-day celebration of food, culture, history, drumming at Central Park.
So, if you’re wondering if November is a good time to travel to Belize, our answer is a resounding, YES! We welcome travelers that are seeking cultural experiences and interested in being immersed in the history of a thriving heritage.
