Learning about my Garifuna roots
Hopkins is a Garifuna village on the coast of the Stann Creek District in Belize. Hopkins is considered by some Belizeans to be the cultural center of the Garifuna population in Belize. The town hosts its own national holiday, Hopkins Day, and welcomes people for their celebration on Garifuna Independence Day as well, they do this with drum ceremonies that can last till early hours in the morning.

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What is Yurumein?

- Yurumein, meaning St. Vincent, commemorates the arrival of the Garinagu to Belize.

- This re-enactment is carried out on the early morning of Garifuna Settlement Day, November 19.

- This day includes a procession filled with traditional music and dance, a Mass of Thanksgiving and concludes with general merriment.

- Though previously observed only in the Stann Creek and Toledo Districts, Yurumein is now widely celebrated across several communities where Garinagu reside in Belize.

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Garifuna Settlement Day (Yurumein)

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Why we have Garifuna Settlement Day.
On Nov 6, 1943, a Garifuna delegation consisting of Pantaleon A. Hernandez, Domingo A. Ventura, and T. V.Ramos petitioned Governor, Sir John Adams Hunter for a holiday in the south so that political recognition be given to mark the contribution of the Garifs to Belize. In particular as "pioneer settlers of the south".

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A Synopsis of the Significance of Garifuna Settlement Day & Activities to Celebrate
Melissa Zuniga -
Dr. Gwen Nunez Gonzalez

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Garifuna Culture in Belize
In this episode I observed the Garifuna culture in Belize. In 2001, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recognised the Garifuna language, music and dance as a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity. My guest Ms. @aprilmartinez6867 and I spoke about how the Garifuna A.K.A The 'Black Caribs' together with the indigenous Kalinago created a daunting fighting force that resisted European colonising efforts in the region for over a century.