Dangriga
The Garifuna cultural capital of Belize, with drum makers, a museum and the November Settlement Day celebration.
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Dangriga is the centre of Garifuna Belize, the town most closely associated with the people who arrived on this coast from Roatan in 1832 after exile from St Vincent. Drum makers work here, punta rock came out of the town, and the Gulisi Garifuna Museum covers the history and language. Garifuna language, dance and music are recognised by UNESCO as intangible heritage across four countries. Settlement Day on 19 November, marking the arrival, is the biggest celebration of the year.
What you actually see
- The drum makers - workshops carving and skinning Garifuna drums.
- The Gulisi Garifuna Museum - history, language and material culture on the edge of town.
- Settlement Day - the 19 November arrival re-enactment and celebration.
- The punta rock scene - the music that came out of the town in the 1980s.
When to go
December to April is the dry season. Settlement Day on 19 November is the town's biggest event and accommodation fills well ahead. The museum keeps weekday hours.
Honest expectations
The town is workaday and has little to look at outside its cultural life. Accommodation is limited and fills completely around Settlement Day. The beach in town is not one to swim from.
Nearby
Hopkins is south, and Gales Point is north.
What to pack for Dangriga
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.