Why You Should Not Miss Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize This Month

November 10, 2025
by Larry Waight +

Every November, Belize comes alive with the rhythm of drums, the scent of coconut and cassava, and the joyful energy of one of its most important cultural celebrations — Garifuna Settlement Day. Observed each year on November 19, this holiday honors the arrival of the Garifuna people to the shores of Belize in 1802, after their exile from Saint Vincent. More than just a commemoration, it is a living celebration of resilience, music, food, and community.

If you are visiting Belize this month, experiencing Garifuna Settlement Day is an opportunity you simply should not miss. It’s one of the most vibrant and heartfelt expressions of culture in Central America, offering travelers a glimpse into the soul of Belize.

The History and Meaning Behind the Celebration

Garifuna Settlement Day was established in 1941 by Belizean civil rights activist Thomas Vincent Ramos and officially recognized as a national holiday in 1977. The day commemorates the Garifuna people’s arrival on Belize’s southern coast, where they brought with them a rich heritage of language, dance, and music.

The Garifuna are descendants of West African, Arawak, and Carib peoples who formed a unique culture rooted in both resilience and creativity. Their history is one of endurance, having survived displacement and forged new communities along the Caribbean coast. Today, their presence is strongest in Dangriga, Hopkins, Seine Bight, and Punta Gorda, where Garifuna culture remains an essential part of Belize’s national identity.

On November 19, towns and villages across southern Belize come alive with a reenactment of the Garifuna landing, symbolizing their historic arrival by canoe. The day begins at dawn, as drummers lead a procession along the coast while singing ancestral songs. The rhythmic beat of traditional paranda and punta music fills the air, and the community gathers to celebrate heritage, freedom, and faith.

The Experience: Drums, Dance, and Delicious Food

Garifuna Settlement Day is not a spectator event — it’s an invitation to participate. From early morning to late night, the celebrations include live music, parades, church services, and cultural performances that blend history with modern energy.

The sound of the Garifuna drums is at the heart of the day. Crafted from mahogany and deerskin, the drums carry a deep, soulful beat that connects past and present. Dancers move in sync with the rhythm, telling stories of struggle and triumph through motion. Visitors often find themselves drawn into the circle, dancing alongside locals and feeling the pulse of Belize’s living heritage.

No Garifuna celebration is complete without food, and this is the perfect time to taste some of Belize’s most beloved traditional dishes. Hudut, a rich coconut and fish stew served with mashed plantains, is the centerpiece of Garifuna cuisine. Other must-try dishes include cassava bread, darasa (green banana pudding), and tapou, a flavorful seafood soup. These meals, passed down through generations, reflect the Garifuna people’s deep connection to the land and sea.

Where to Celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day

While festivities take place across Belize, the most famous celebrations happen in Dangriga, often referred to as the “Culture Capital of Belize.” Here, thousands gather on the beaches at sunrise for the symbolic arrival reenactment, followed by street parades, live music, and community feasts.

Hopkins Village, another hub of Garifuna culture, offers a more intimate version of the celebration. Visitors can join drumming sessions, take part in dance workshops, and share meals with local families. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and full of heart — an authentic look at the soul of Belizean culture.

For travelers staying inland in San Ignacio or nearby areas, many resorts and cultural centers host Garifuna-inspired events, from drum performances to traditional dinners. It’s a reminder that this celebration is not confined to one place — it belongs to the entire nation.

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Garifuna Settlement Day is more than a festival; it’s a moment to honor identity, unity, and history. It reminds both locals and visitors that Belize’s strength lies in its diversity and its people’s ability to celebrate their roots with pride and joy.

If you are in Belize this November, don’t just watch — join the rhythm, taste the food, and feel the heartbeat of a culture that has shaped the nation’s story.

Plan your Garifuna Settlement Day experience with Belize Hub Tours and be part of one of Belize’s most unforgettable celebrations. From Dangriga’s sunrise reenactment to Hopkins’ lively drumming and feasts, we’ll help you experience the day like a true Belizean.