Culture of Belize

Constructed by: Ben Guillow

Larry Belcher

Pat Riley

Overview

• Background

• History

• Cultures– Mayan– Garifuna– Others

• Our Experience

Background

• Capital City– Belmopan

• Largest City– Belize City

• Slightly smaller than Massachusetts • Major Industries

– Garment production, food processing, tourism, construction

– Belikin Beer

Background

• Ethnic Groups– Mestizo 48.7%, Creole 24.9%, Maya 10.6%, Garifuna 6.1%,

other 9.7%

• Religions– Roman Catholic 49.6%, Protestant 27% (Anglican 5.3%,

Methodist 3.5%, Mennonite 4.1%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5.2%, Pentecostal 7.4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.5%), none 9.4%, other 14% (2000) 

• Languages – English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib), Creole

• Population  249,183 (July 2000 est.)

History

• History that goes back to before 250A.D • In 1508 the Spanish invaded Belize for the first time.

– Mayans resisted the attack, later defeated and conquered in 1542.

• The first know British settlement was in the 1650s • Spain leaves in 1698, gives to British.• September 21, 1981- Belize gets independence

– Queen of England remained ceremonial head of state

• Tourism mainstay of the economy • Remains plagued by high unemployment• Growing involvement drug trade, and increased urban

crime

Mayan Cultures

• There are three groups of Mayas present in Belize namely the Yucatec, Mopan and Kekchi Mayas.

• Yucatec– Originated from Yucatan– Mainly in N. and Central Belize– Speak mainly English and Spanish

• Mopan– Came to Belize in 1886– Mainly in S. Belize

• Kekci– Came to Belize in 1870s– Mainly in S. Belize– Most self reliant ethnic group in Belize– Very peaceful, known for farming and cultural development

Mayan Cultures

All Mayans have become very much concerned with retaining their cultural identity

Garifuna (Garinagu)• Garinagu came to Belize from Bay Islands of Honduras on

19th Nov 1802. • Result of intermingling of African slaves, Carib and Arawak

Indians. • Garinagu dominate southern towns of Punta Gorda and

Dangriga– Some Garinagu are also residing in Belize City and Belmopan.

• Fishing and agriculture is traditional way of living for Garifuna.

• November 19th is a national holiday in Belize to commemorate the arrival of the Garifuna to Belize.

• Speak a mix of English, Spanish, and traditional African languages

Garifunas

Other Cultures

• Creoles• Mesitzos• Mennonites• East Indians• Chinese

Our Experience

• Mayans– Our guides were Mopa and Kekchi Mayans– Lived in Blue Creek Village– Ate local foods, such as vegetables and

chicken (and iguana)– Bought souvenirs from locals at market– Played soccer with local children (and lost)– Local children assisted us with carrying out

bags– Visited ancient Mayan city of Lubaantun

Our Experience

• Garifunas– Crazy bus driver– They drove our

boats out to S. Water Caye

– Braided hair on S. Water Caye

– Cooked on S. Water Caye

Summary

• Background

• History

• Cultures– Mayan– Garifuna– Others

• Our Experience