Belize has a rich culture, making the holiday season an exciting time to visit and explore a variety of new holiday traditions. Just south of Mexico and East of Guatemala, Belize is home to several cultural groups including Garifuna, Kriol, Mayan, Mestizo, East Indian, and Mennonite and each have their own set of traditions.
One thing that is common throughout the country is that the holiday season is a time to be with family and loved ones. Many families prepare by cleaning and decorating their homes prior to the holidays in preparation for numerous visitors. Whether you are gathering for a bram, caroling, attending midnight mass or a beach BBQ, it is the season to be with your loved ones, eat delicious food, drink seasonal drinks and be merry! Learn more about some holiday traditions in southern Belize.
Jingle Shells! Jingle Shells!
Musical and dance traditions vary from region to region in Belize. In Garifuna communities such as Hopkins, Seine Bight or Dangriga it is common to see and hear Junkanou dancers and musicians.
Each year in Belize, Junkanou dancers take to the streets dressed in colorful masks, white long sleeved shirts and pants. They tie shells to their knees, wear ribbons across their chests and are full of holiday cheer!
The little drummer boy has quite a different meaning on this side of the world, for when you see the Junkanou dancers, you will also find primero and segundo drummers playing the Wanaragua rhythm also known as Jankunu. You’ll see the dancers right behind them, moving to the captivating beat of the drums.
Both young and old will form dancing rings and take turns showing off their dancing skills.
It’s quite a performance to watch, but don’t be afraid to join in! All are welcome! After all, it’s Christmas in Belize and the more, the merrier!
Time to Eat & Drink!
Picture yourself arriving at a family home during the holidays in Belize. Without doubt, you would be greeted with the delightful aroma of black and white cakes, pumpkin pie, and Christmas dinner cooking in the kitchen. You would see smiling faces around the table enjoying a tasty glass of Rumpopo, a Belizean twist on eggnog, and hear the sounds of joyous laughter.
In our little jewel of a country, Black cake and Rumpopo are holiday musts! Rumpopo is a rich and creamy beverage with hints of vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Enjoy it alone, on the rocks, a splash in your coffee, or accompanying a slice of Black Fruit Cake.
This Christmas, spice up your family’s traditions by including Belizean Rumpopo and Black cake. It could be a great way to surprise and toast your family with the news that they will getting a vacation to Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort!
Helping Others
Everyone looks forward to opening a present on Christmas Day, therefore each year most communities, including Hopkins Village, hold a toy drive for the children. On Christmas day, children are given a present from the village council or toy drive organizer, making unforgettable holiday memories for the youth. Consider contributing to this great community effort by participating in Pack for a Purpose. Add a toy or school supplies if you have extra space in your bag the next time you visit us and it will be donated to this cheerful community tradition.
Christmas in Belize is filled with colorful festivities, lively music, family togetherness, generous hearts and timeless traditions. We hope you will consider spending your next holiday with us to learn more about our holiday traditions in beautiful Belize!
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from Hamanasi!
