Garifuna Settlement Day. What is it?
- Craig Densham
- Sep 20, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 12
Celebrate Culture, Music, and Heritage in Belize
Every year on November 19th, Belize comes alive with the sounds of drums, song, and dance during Garifuna Settlement Day — one of the most vibrant and meaningful celebrations in the country.
This special holiday honors the arrival of the Garifuna people to Belize’s shores in 1802, marking their resilience, culture, and enduring spirit.
A Journey of Strength and Survival
The Garifuna trace their roots to the Caribbean island of St. Vincent, where African and Indigenous Arawak and Carib ancestry blended to form a unique culture. After being exiled by colonial powers in the late 1700s, they sought refuge along the Central American coast — eventually settling in Belize.
Garifuna Settlement Day was first celebrated in 1941 in Dangriga, thanks to community leader Thomas Vincent Ramos, and became a national holiday in 1977.
The Dawn Reenactment
At sunrise, the celebration begins with the symbolic arrival — dugout canoes glide ashore, filled with drummers and dancers dressed in traditional Garifuna clothing. This reenactment represents the Garifuna people’s courageous journey and their enduring connection to the sea.
Drumming, Dance & Storytelling
The beating of the Garifuna drums — often called the “heartbeat of the people” — fills the air throughout the day and night. Rhythms of Paranda and Punta invite everyone to dance, while performances of the Jankunu dance captivate crowds with their masks, headdresses, and stories of ancestral strength.
Elders share folktales and wisdom, reminding everyone of the power of heritage and unity.
Flavors of Tradition
No celebration is complete without Garifuna cuisine — from freshly baked cassava bread to hudut, a delicious fish stew made with coconut milk and plantains. These dishes tell their own story of survival, tradition, and love for the land and sea.
A Celebration of Community
More than a holiday, Garifuna Settlement Day is a celebration of identity, togetherness, and pride. Towns like Dangriga, Hopkins, Punta Gorda, and Seine Bight host parades, live drumming, cultural performances, and street dancing that last all day and into the night.
It’s an unforgettable experience — and one of Belize’s most inspiring cultural events.
Stay with Us at Ocean Breeze Beach Resort
If you’re planning to visit Belize during Garifuna Settlement Day, stay with us at Ocean Breeze Beach Resort in Placencia — just minutes from the celebrations in Seine Bight. Relax on the beach, enjoy local food and music, and immerse yourself in authentic Belizean culture.
👉 Read our Ultimate Belize Travel Guide for everything you need to know before you visit Belize.
👉 Or head south and explore the coast with our Placencia Village Belize Travel Guide.
About the Author
Craig Densham is the owner of Ocean Breeze Beach Resort, a boutique seaside resort in Placencia, Belize. With years of local experience and a passion for hospitality, Craig loves helping guests discover the best of Belize — from hidden beaches to authentic local cuisine. Follow Ocean Breeze Beach Resort on Facebook and Instagram for travel inspiration.
