The People of Hopkins Belize ( The Garifuna People)
History:
The Garifuna Story has always been told in a way that dimishes and undermines the power of the culture, the Garifuna people and others all around the world have been told that the Garifuna story begun with a Ship wreck off the coast of St.Vincent. This is hard to believe.
200 Years ago the Garifuna people lived on the Island of St. Vincent in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean. Before they were called Garifuna they were called black caribs descendants of a group called Kalinago and the Arawak people who are said to be extinct.
The Garifuna Story starts in Africa and in the Americas, the Amerindians who came across the baring Straight to the Americas settled all across the americas including St .Vincent. These people were first discovered by the people of Mali in Africa. When Emperor Abubakari brought along 200 ships and men in 1310 to explore the Americas. The Ships did not return to Mali and we believe that these Africans also settled in the Americas and minggled with the Amerindians, Arawaks and Tinos to create the Garifuna people previously Black Caribs.
The fact that the Garifuna Culture and people is a combination of different cultures makes the Garifuna culture an intangible heritage of humanity.
A people with a unique Language which is mostly Arawakan, Music accompanied by the sounds of the drums of Africa, Food prepared in traditional ways, Using Arawak and African traditions, this is a must see. Experience Garifuna in Hopkins.
The People Today (Present day Garifuna)
The Garifuna People today live in Nicaragua, Belize, Honduras, Guatemala and the USA. The largest Garifuna Village in Belize is Hopkins Village. Hopkins is know for its friendly people and there unbelievable hospitality. Some that visit hopkins have come to call Hopkins their home away from home. Hopkins is a safe place to vacation and you are sure to find people that will make you feel welcome.
The People in Hopkins Belize still speak the Garifuna language, Sing traditional Garifuna songs and enjoy garifuna food. Here is a great opportunity to eat like the natives, dance like the natives and maybe drum like the natives.
Many of the Tour Guides in Hopkins are also Garifuna, they are very professional and are happy to make you enjoy your stay. The Garifuna people have always treated their guest with the highest honor. So Embrace the love when its given to you.
Innies Restaurant is one of the few Garifuna Owned restaurants, It Offers Local Garifuna Food to its guest and much more. Palmento Grove is also Garifuna Owned and Offers Garifuna food.
Learn More about the Garifuna People at Our Blog
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