The Garifuna People and Culture

As one of our group activities, we all visited the Black and White Cultural Center. This center in San Pedro has been created by the Garifuna people of Belize. With a rich cultural history, this center serves to keep their culture, language, food, spirituality, music, and dance alive. One really interesting part of their culture is traditional healing.  Traditional healing, and healers, are fascinating, and increasing rare in a world of prescription drugs. Traditional healing is also a part of Appalachia culture, and sometimes is associated with witchcraft by outsiders. In the presentation, they mentioned that the Garifuna have been pointed to and accused of witchcraft. In actuality, traditional medicine is about connecting healing to spirituality and takes a holistic approach to healing.

For me, I thought it was interesting that the Garifuna who settled in Belize came to place where many strong cultures already existed, including the Kriol and the Mayans. The Garifuna people had to fight to have a place in Belize, and for their culture to continue, distinct from but respected by other Belizians. Through sheer determination, their culture continues to have a strong presence in Belize. 

We had a wonderful time learning about the Garifuna people, hearing their drums, and trying their dances. They make the dances, especially the punta dance, seem so smooth and effortless. However, when I tried the dance, it was quite tiresome, especially when trying to stay in rhythm. 

 

One final takeaway is a quote the said several times, which I had never heard before:

"It is in the length of our journey that we we rearrange the weight of our burden." What a beautiful thought, that the long difficult journey of the Garifuna people has allowed them time to make peace with their lives and find faith and hope along the way.