Belize

Belize blends Maya, Garifuna, Creole and Mestizo heritage along the Caribbean coast of Central America.

Music & dance Language & oral Food & cooking Crafts Spirituality & rites

Knowledge in this place

Garifuna drumming

Garifuna drumming

Paranda and punta rhythms played on hand-carved drums central to Garifuna gatherings.

Garifuna language

Garifuna language

An Arawakan language carried by Garifuna communities, recognized by UNESCO as intangible heritage.

Language & oral

Hudut

A Garifuna dish of fish in coconut broth served with mashed plantain pounded in a wooden mortar.

Maya slate carving

Maya slate carving

Carving of slate and stone with Maya glyphs and motifs by southern Belize craftspeople.

Dügü ancestral rite

Dügü ancestral rite

A Garifuna healing ceremony honoring ancestors through drumming, dance and offerings.

Spirituality & rites