Garifuna Settlement Day

The Garifuna descend from Africans and Island Caribs on Saint Vincent, who were deported by the British in 1797 to the Bay Islands and spread along the Central American coast, reaching southern Belize in significant numbers from 1832. Settlement Day marks that arrival and has been a national holiday since 1977. At dawn on the nineteenth of November, dugout canoes come ashore at Dangriga and Hopkins carrying cassava, plantains and drums, met by crowds on the beach, and the re-enactment is followed by a day of parading, punta drumming and dancing that runs through the night. UNESCO recognised Garifuna language, dance and music in 2001.

What you actually see

• The dawn re-enactment - dugout canoes coming ashore with cassava and drums.
• Punta drumming - the primero and segunda drums that drive it.
• The all-night dancing - continuing through to the following morning.
• Dangriga and Hopkins - the two main centres for the day.

When to go

The nineteenth of November, with the arrival re-enactment at dawn and celebrations running through the day and night. Accommodation in Dangriga and Hopkins books out well ahead. The eighteenth is also busy with build-up.

Honest expectations

Accommodation in the Garifuna towns is limited and books months ahead for the date. It is a long day starting before dawn and running past midnight. This is a community commemoration rather than a show, and visitors are welcome but should behave accordingly. Drinking is heavy through the night.

Nearby

Dangriga and Hopkins are the main centres; Punta Gorda holds its own.