November is one of the best times to visit Belize thanks to all of the exciting festivals and events happening throughout the month.
Garifuna Settlement Day
The Garifuna represent just 4% of modern Belize’s population, but November 19 is the day when the entire country celebrates the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Garifuna people.
Descended from African slaves who intermarried with native Carib islanders, the Garifuna arrived on the shores of Belize more than 200 years ago, bringing their unique language, musical heritage, and foods with them. Garifuna Settlement Day is a great chance to hear traditional Garifuna drumming, and enjoy Garifuna foods like cassava bread and hudut (a fish stew made with plaintains and coconut).
Garifuna Settlement Day is celebrated nationwide but the best place to enjoy the holiday is in towns and villages with a large Garifuna population like Seine Bight on the Placencia Peninsula, Hopkins, and Dangriga.
The Food Fete
Starting at 8:00 PM on November 11, 2016, the Toledo Community College in Punta Gorda will host the Taste of Garifuna cooking competition where local chefs battle it out to prepare the very best interpretations of traditional Garifuna dishes like hudut, tapou, and cassava pudding. The celebration continues until 3:00 AM the next day, with lots of delicious food to try, plenty of drinks, and live cultural performances.
The Battle of the Drums
The town of Punta Gorda will rock through the night to the rhythms of Garifuna percussion instruments during the annual Battle of the Drums. Starting at 7:30 PM on November 12, 2016, local bands will compete to get the crowds on the dance floor, demonstrating their skill in local musical styles like Chumba, Wanaragua, Punta, Hungu and Paranda.
The festival continues on the following night with an impressive display of musical stamina as the very best bands demonstrate their prowess with energetic bouts of drumming that are scheduled to last until 6:00 AM the following morning. Enthusiastic dancing is most definitely welcomed!
Chabil Mar
The multiple award-winning resort of Chabil Mar on the Placencia Peninsula is an oasis of luxury and beauty. With well-appointed villas ideal for families, honeymooners, or adventure travelers, the resort is located just a short distance away from all the excitement of Garifuna Settlement Day, the Food Fete, and the Battle of the Drums competition.
Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation in November.
