Belize, located in the north of Central America, it is a unique multicultural country in the area, due to its roots as part of the ancient Mayan culture and its development as a British colony.
Factors such as slavery, immigration and colonization have defined the young nation, giving it a cultural richness in customs, gastronomy and language. However, the inhabitants consider themselves Belizeans rather than members of their ethnic group, and thanks to this vision of unity they achieved their independence from Great Britain in 1981..
Although its official language is English, Spanish and Belizean Creole are widely spoken in the Caribbean country. With just over 380 thousand inhabitants, the most outstanding ethnic groups are the mestizos, the Mayans, the Creoles and the Garífunas.
To a lesser extent, small groups of English, Americans, Chinese, Arabs, Mennonites, Indians, and even Canadians also live in Belize..
This amalgamation gives rise to a rich variety of traditions, since each ethnic group maintains its own customs and develops others derived from the daily coexistence of the groups..
The encounter between the indigenous Caribbean and the Africans who were brought to Belize as slaves by the European colonizers, gave rise to a new ethnic group: the Garífunas..
The dugu ritual is an emblematic tradition of the Garífuna, in which through dance and the rhythm of drums, supposed ancestral presences are manifested through spiritual possessions and under the guidance of a shaman (buyai), in order to heal to a sick person, or to thank.
The dugu ritual takes place in July and August. The belief is that the ancestors have the function from the beyond, to ensure the harmony and well-being of their living relatives..
As a way of reaffirming their identity against marginalization by the State, the Mayan groups of Belize (Yucatecans, Mopan and Kekchí), carry out this festival since 2004, since the Anglo-Caribbean people refused to recognize them as natives, since they considered them immigrants from Guatemala.
The Mayan Day celebration, which takes place in March, includes rituals, dances, sports activities, music, informative talks and typical food stalls..
Likewise, it focuses on highlighting its culture with various skills of daily tasks, such as corn grinding and firewood separation.
Every September 10, the Battle of San Jorge is commemorated, which occurred in 1798, when the British (and their slaves) defeated a Spanish fleet that, from Mexico, sought to invade and control the territory..
In this way, Belize opened the way to be incorporated into the British Empire..
Parades, religious services, music and gastronomic displays are part of the festivities that last until September 21, when Belize's Independence Day is commemorated..
Among the great diversity of events that intermingle due to the multiculturalism of Belize, is the Deer Dance Festival, which takes place in August for 10 days..
Popular among the Mopan Maya, this dance includes two dozen dancers, wearing masks and colorful costumes. The dance tells the story of hunters chasing a tiger.
Flutes, drums, harps, and a special type of marimba are used as musical instruments..
This rhythm of Garifuna origin has become the most listened to music in the Central American country. Addictive and a symbol of pride for the residents, punta rock encompasses the roots of its culture.
It is the most representative, since it derives from the traditional music of Africa, which is interpreted to the rhythm of drums created with trunks and turtle shells.
Today, Belize is the largest exporter of punta rock, in relation to other nations such as Guatemala and Honduras, which also have Garífuna communities.
From June 14 to 19 they celebrate this festival in honor of lobster, in which a variety of dishes are served, where the main ingredient is this crustacean. In coastal communities like Placencia, San Pedro and Caye Caulker they have fun eating, drinking and celebrating on the beach.
Baron Bliss Day is celebrated in honor of one of Belize's founders with a regatta in the harbor next to the lighthouse where his grave is located..
In addition, horse races, bike races and other events are held in Belize City along the coast every March 9 of each year..
One week before Lent, the largest island in Belize, Ambergris Caye
is filled with costumes, parades and music enjoyed by children, youth and adults.
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