San Pedro Town joined the Garifuna community across Belize in
commemorating Garifuna Settlement Day - the day when their ancestors first
arrived on the southern coast of Belize.
On Thursday, November 18th, the San Pedro Garifuna Council held their
opening ceremonies and cultural exhibition at Central Park. Present for this
event was San Pedro Town Mayor Elsa Paz and Area Representative Manuel
Heredia Jr.
On Friday, the heart of town was filled with the sounds of the Garifuna
drums and the appetizing aroma of their native foods. A variety of
traditional Garifuna dishes were sold including Hudut, an appetizing dish of
fish in coconut soup served with mashed plantains.
A reenactment of the Garinagu's arrival in Belize highlighted the
festivities during the weekend. Two boats filled with revelers landed on the
beach at Central Park shortly after sundown. Once on land, the merry crowd
led by recently crowned Miss San Pedro Garifuna 2004 Kristy Samuels and Miss
San Pedro Garifuna 2002, Ella Carr, danced the Punta and Chumba among other
traditional dances. The rest of the night was filled with Garinagu songs and
the lively beat of the Punta drums.
Locals and tourists alike joined the Garifuna in celebrating their
special day and in Keeping Garifuna culture and language alive - at home, in
our communities, and worldwide.
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