My Beautiful Community - Dangriga

My community is called Dangriga Town and has its origins with the arrival of the Garinagu. They cultivated the area and according to my grandmother, Mrs. Marcella Lewis, it means pure running water. The Garinagu value family, God’s love, love of each other and communal living, which has been instilled in their children from childhood. I have seen that in my community since my early childhood and we still embrace our cultural values. It has been an integral part of beautiful Dangriga, as I refer to it. Economically our cultural practices have contributed to development of our community through tourism and local entertainment. Garifuna Settlement Day is celebrated on November 19th yearly to commemorate the arrival of the Garinagu to Belize. A month of celebration is held, which attracts many people to the community bringing more revenue to the hotels, restaurant, local artists, and others. Around Christmas time we have a cultural Dance called Wanaragua that attracts many supporters as well.