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Culture of Belize

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

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Culture of Belize

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  1. Culture of Belize Constructed by: Ben Guillow Larry Belcher Pat Riley

  2. Overview • Background • History • Cultures • Mayan • Garifuna • Others • Our Experience

  3. Background • Capital City • Belmopan • Largest City • Belize City • Slightly smaller than Massachusetts • Major Industries • Garment production, food processing, tourism, construction • Belikin Beer

  4. 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.)

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. Mayan Cultures All Mayans have become very much concerned with retaining their cultural identity

  8. 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

  9. Garifunas

  10. Other Cultures • Creoles • Mesitzos • Mennonites • East Indians • Chinese

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. Summary • Background • History • Cultures • Mayan • Garifuna • Others • Our Experience

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