Located along Belize’s coastline in the Stann Creek District, Hopkins is a small, slow-paced beach town ideal for both leisure and adventure. Apart from its sandy shores, it’s a cultural center for the Garinagu (Garifuna) community. Explore the fascinating history of Garifuna culture in Belize, their settlement in Hopkins, and ways to fully immerse yourself in this vibrant lifestyle during your upcoming Belize vacation.
The History of Garifuna Culture in Belize
The Garinagu story is all about moving and mixing. Long ago, their ancestors, the Arawak Indians, moved from places like Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela to the Caribbean before Europeans came. Another ancestor, the Carib Indians, came from the Orinoco Delta in 1220 A.D. and took over the Lesser Antilles. These two groups mixed and made the Island Carib, who mostly settled on Saint Vincent Island.
In 1635, Spanish ships crashed near St. Vincent in the Caribbean. The surviving Nigerians, formerly enslaved, were welcomed by the locals—Carib-Arawak population. Joining forces, they defended their land and freedom, intertwining through intermarriage and forming the vibrant Garifuna culture. This new demographic emerged as a formidable entity, challenging the British colonial presence on the island.
The Garinagu people lived peacefully for a century until European colonizers once again asserted control. A raid in 1796 led them to relocate, seeking refuge in Roatan, an island off the Honduran coast. They flourished until they were again compelled to move after the Honduran revolt, however, this time in greater numbers. In 1832, Alejo Beni and a group of Garinagu arrived in British Honduras, now known as Belize, fostering communities where their rich culture blossomed.
Their arrival in Belize is commemorated annually in various locales like Hopkins, Dangriga, Punta Gorda, and beyond. Celebrated as Garifuna Settlement Day, this national holiday on November 19 resonates with music, cuisine, and heritage. It is a collective remembrance of the persecution faced by the Garinagu people and celebrates the enduring optimism and determination that sustained their culture.
Today, this culture thrives just a short distance from any corner of Belize. Garinagu is the term used in the Garifuna language to describe the entire community, while Garifuna refers specifically to an individual and their culture and language.
How Garinagu People Came To Hopkins
Following the arrival of the Garinagu to Belize in 1832, they established numerous settlements along Belize’s coastal regions, including Georgetown, Sein Bite, Dangriga, and Hopkins. These areas, rich in diverse ecosystems, swiftly evolved into vibrant cultural hubs for the Garinagu community.
Traditionally sustaining themselves through agriculture, fishing, and clearing land for women to cultivate crops like cassava, the community has more recently embraced opportunities within the growing tourism sector. Renowned for their warmth and authentic hospitality, the residents graciously open their village to visitors. Notably, Hopkins is commonly recognized as “The Friendliest Village in Belize.”
How To Immerse In Garifuna Culture
1.Stay At Hopkins Bay Resort: For proximity to Garifuna activities, businesses, and attractions, stay at Hopkins Bay Resort. This beachfront resort offers up to 3-bedroom beach houses, on-site dining, and family-friendly amenities. You’ll leave with newfound knowledge and appreciation of the Garifuna legacy and the lifestyle that comes with it. The Hopkins Bay team is ready to help you plan your cultural experiences.
2. Participate In A Drumming Lesson: Embrace the unique musical treasure of the Garinagu community through drumming lessons. This hands-on activity involves music and dance, an integral part of this vibrant culture. Celebrated as the “teachers of Belize,” many Garifuna musicians offer lessons, inviting visitors to learn the essence of their rhythms. Delve into the basic techniques of the Garifuna parranda and punta rhythms, experiencing the powerful beats of the Primera and Segunda drums that will rejuvenate your spirit.
3.Celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day: Embrace the spirit of Garifuna Settlement Day through various festivities in Belize. Hopkins Bay Resort orchestrates a day filled with cultural immersion opportunities. Witness a reenactment of the Garinagu’s landing in Belize and partake in local drumming ceremonies. The on-site Rhum Shack serves an authentic cultural menu for lunch and dinner, complemented by rhythmic drumming—a prime location to absorb the essence of this incredible holiday.
4. Taste Traditional Garifuna Dishes:
No journey through Garifuna culture is complete without indulging in traditional culinary delights. Treat your palate to the flavors of cassava bread, plantains, yams, and hudnut (a coconut-based soup with fresh herbs and the catch of the day). This culinary experience encapsulates the essence of the Garifuna tradition.
Feel the vibrant rhythm of the Garifuna culture pulsating through Belize, with its heart beating loudest in Hopkins! For an immersive experience, book your stay at the lively Hopkins Bay Resort, indulge in drumming lessons, revel in the festivities of Garifuna Settlement Day, and savor the authentic flavors of traditional dishes. Ready to dive into this cultural celebration? Contact Muy’Ono Resorts for bookings or any questions.
