Transcript 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
– Garment production, food processing, tourism,
construction
– Belikin Beer
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.)
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
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
Mayan Cultures
All Mayans have become very much concerned with
retaining their cultural identity
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
Garifunas
Other Cultures
• Creoles
• Mesitzos
• Mennonites
• East Indians
• Chinese
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
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
Summary
• Background
• History
• Cultures
– Mayan
– Garifuna
– Others
• Our Experience