
The holiday spirit in Belize isn’t just a day’s celebration; it’s a marathon of joy, culture, and tradition starting right after Garifuna Settlement Day and lasting well into the new year. If you’re dreaming of a Christmas season that stretches beyond a mere 24 hours, Belize is your idyllic destination. Across this vibrant country, every corner hums with festivities, rich feasts, and unique traditions that capture the heart. Here’s your insider guide to experiencing Belize’s Christmas cultural traditions.
An Unforgettable Creole Bram
Imagine a celebration so infectious, you can’t help but join in. The Creole Bram in Gales Point Manatee, Belize District, is exactly that. An event steeped in community and joy, Bram involves locals and visitors alike moving from house to house, immersed in the rhythm of ‘brokdong’ music. Creole drums, harmonicas, and even improvised instruments like forks, graters, and pint bottles create an unmistakable sound. Each household adds to the revelry with fruit cakes, local wines, and sumptuous hams, shared generously with all.
Dance to the Beat of Jankunu and Charikanari
Missed Garifuna Settlement Day? No worries. The Christmas season brings another chance to delve into Garifuna culture. The Jankunu and Charikanari dances are not just performances but narrations of history and culture. Jankunu dancers, adorned in white shirts, black trousers, headdresses, and masks, mimic colonial slave owners, while the Charikanari (Two-foot Cow) adds humor with its cow-shaped mask and exaggerated movements. These dances, performed across towns on Christmas Day, are a true holiday spectacle.
The Mesmerizing Maya Deer Dance
In the Toledo District’s Maya communities,the Deer Dance is a rare and awe-inspiring sight. Performed only a few times a year, this dance embodies the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. Dancers don intricate masks and costumes, accompanied by the enchanting sounds of the marimba. Witnessing this dance is an unforgettable experience, steeped in living Maya culture and tradition.
Las Posadas: A Devout Journey
Starting December 14th, the Catholic communities in Northern and Western Belize observe Las Posadas, a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in Bethlehem. For nine nights, this moving tradition unfolds with prayers, hymns, and the heartfelt hospitality of locals. The third house visited each night becomes the temporary home of the holy statues, with delicious treats like maja blanca, conservas, and horchata shared in celebration.
Dance the Night Away at the Grand Ball
A century-old tradition, the Grand Ball in Dangriga Town is a Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve gala like no other. It’s a night of elegance and nostalgia, with dances like the quadrille, waltz, and foxtrot taking center stage. The attire is as grand as the occasion – women in flowing dresses and men in sharp tuxedos. The music, a blend of harmonica, guitar, and percussion, invites everyone to dance into the morning, embracing dances from different eras and cultures.
Belize’s Christmas season is a tapestry of traditions, each thread representing a part of its rich cultural heritage. From feasts and dances to historical reenactments, these festivities are not just merry-making; they’re the heartbeat of Belizean culture, making the holiday season here truly unforgettable.