Garifuna Settlement Day and Drum-making tradition

Dangriga is most known for it’s annual Garifuna Settlement Day celebration. Masses of people from all over the country swarm to Dangriga on this day to take part in the festivities. It is held on November 19 and celebrates the settlement of the Garifuna people in Belize after being exiled from the Grenadines by the British Army. There is plenty of food, plenty of parades and drumming you’ll hear miles before you even arrive. It’s important to note that if you don’t already have you accommodations booked, don’t count on finding anything upon arrival during this time.

All roads lead to Drumma Girls

One of the most prominent representations of the Garifuna culture are the drums, and Dangriga is home to one of the last remaining traditional Garifuna drum makers alive today: Austin Rodriguez. His workshop and drum school is located just behind the market, you’ll see the palm-frawned tip of his palapa peeking out from behind a basketball court.

Austin and his daughters make the drums from local trees, hollowing them out with chainsaws and finishing them with the leather hides. They come in all sizes and are decorated in the traditional style.

The government helped to fund his operation as a means to carry on the culture and not lose touch on the special history of this local population, one that Rodriguez says is increasingly disinterested in the activities of their ancestors. Not many children take part in his drum school anymore, and the majority of his business is done during Settlement Day celebrations. At least during these times the Belizeans feel a connection to their history and an appreciation for tradition.

A work in progress.

Austin Rodriguez in his drum workshop.

Daughter Nora Lee hollowing out a large drum.

GETTTING // GOING      •         SLEEPING          •          EATING      •         DOING

Take me back to DANGRIGA // Take me back to BELIZE // Take me HOME