First day of Belize research
Today, I’m starting my research on the community, culture, and language of Belize. I will collect lots of information and put it together into a literature review. From all that I’ve collected today, this topic really interests me. I did not know much about Belize before and now that I know a little, I find it all very fascinating.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belize
Wikipedia
Belize is a small nation on the eastern coast of Central America on the Caribbean Sea bordered by Mexico to the northwest and Guatemala to the west and south. The country is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy which recognizes Queen Elizabeth II as Sovereign. The name is shared by the Belize River, Belize's longest river, and Belize City, the former capital and largest city.
The only English-speaking country in Central America, Belize was a British colony for more than a century and was known as British Honduras until 1973. It became an independent nation in 1981. Belize is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Sistema de Integración Centroamericana (SICA) and considers itself to be culturally both Caribbean and Central American.
Belize is the smallest (in terms of population) non-island sovereign state in the Americas.
Ethnic groups, nationalities, and languages
According to the latest census, Belize's population is close to 300,000, and much of that number is multiracial and multiethnic. The Maya are the most established of all ethnic groupings, having been in Belize and the Yucatan region since the 500's AD. White English and Scottish settlers entered the area in the 1630's to cut logwood for export and began settling down. The first African slaves began arriving from elsewhere in the Caribbean and Africa and began intermarrying with whites and each other, to create the Creole ethnic grouping. After 1800, Mestizo settlers from Mexico and Guatemala began to settle in the North; the Garifuna, a mix of African and Carib ancestry, settled in the South by way of Honduras not long after that.
The 1900s saw the arrival of Asian settlers from Mainland China, Taiwan, Syria, Lebanon, and Korea. Central American immigrants and expatriate Americans and Africans also began to settle in the country, presenting an interesting potage. However, this was balanced by the migration of Creoles and other ethnic groups to the United States and elsewhere for better opportunities.
Currently, Mestizos comprise 50% of the population, and Creoles 25%. The rest is a mix of Maya, Garifuna, Mennonite Dutch/German farmers, Central Americans, whites from America, and most recently black Africans and Cubans brought to assist the country's development.
Not surprisingly, this mix creates an equally interesting mix of language and communication. English is the official language (Belize having been a British colony) but most Belizeans use the more familiar Belize Creole, a raucous and playful English-based language that contains colorful terms not usually translatable in English. Spanish has become important as the mother tongue of Mestizo and Central American settlers, and is a second language for much of the country. Less well known are the ancient Maya dialects, Garifuna (a mix of Spanish, Carib and other tongues) and the Dutch-German of the Mennonites. Literacy currently stands at near 80%.
Culture
Main article: Culture of Belize
Belizeans are by nature a tolerant, friendly, fun-loving people. It has long been regarded as both a curse and blessing on the nation, with some critics saying that Belizeans are not willing to sometimes fight for what they want and end up having foreigners walk all over them.
Courtesy is important to most Belizeans. It is not uncommon for Belizeans to greet each other on the street even if they have never seen each other before, or for acquaintances to spend minutes at a time chatting, oblivious to what is happening around them. Belize has retained an old world charm long lost in other countries.
[edit]
Ethnic groups
Belize Creole
Garifuna
Mestizo
Maya
Mennonite (Dutch/German farmers)
East Indian/Syrian/Lebanese
East Asian: Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean
Mainland African: Nigeria and elsewhere
Caribbean: Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba etc.
American
Music
Punta is by the far most popular genre of Garifuna music and has become the most popular genre in all of Belize. It is distinctly Afro-Caribbean, and is sometimes said to be ready for international popularization like similarly-descended styles (reggae, calypso, merengue, etc).
Brukdown is a very popular modern style of Belizean music. It evolved out of the music and dance of loggers, especially a form called buru.
Languages of Belize
The official language of Belize is English, which is the sole language of instruction in its school systems. Around 80% of the population is literate in English and as much as 90% of the population is able to speak some English. The most common language however is Kriol (Belizean Creole). Kriol is the lingua franca in much of the country and is spoken by nearly everyone in Belize as either a first- or second-language (95% of all people in Belize City speak Belizean Creole and English solely). Overall Kriol is spoken by 70% of the entire population as a first language (with around 20% speaking Creole solely and not Standard English). The next most widely spoken language is Spanish, which is spoken by approximately 35% of the population (according to the 2000 census) as a first or (mostly) second language, although in Orange Walk and Corozal Districts, Spanish is the majority language (60%). There are other languages that are common as a first language in certain areas: Garifuna in the south, the Kekchi and Mopan Maya languages in the west, and Yucatec Maya in the north.
Despite the many languages (around 8 different languages in all) the 2000 census also estimated that around 70% of all Belizeans were bilingual or even trilingual.
Culture
The Culture of Belize is wholly unique. The country's long and occasionally unpleasant history has helped to shape a culture that effortlessly blends ethnic groups, languages, religions, and more.[1]
People
Colonization, slavery, and immigration have played major roles in effecting the ethnic composition of the population and as a result, there are a number of different ethnic groups represented in Belize today. Perhaps the three largest groups are the Mestizo, and the Creole, and the Mayan.
[edit]
Mestizo
Mestizo is the name given to people of mixed ancestry that combines both Spanish and Indian heritage. In Belize, these people form the majority. The Spanish never established colonies in Belize, however, and the Mestizos living here now are mostly emigres who came to the country in the mid-1800's to avoid the violent conflicts taking place in surrounding areas.
[edit]
Creole
The second largest ethnic group found here are the Creole. Although to many people the word 'Creole' often denotes French heritage, the Creole population in Belize is a blend of English settlers and African slaves. Many modern-day Creoles tend to live in the larger, urban areas (such as Belize City) and have a distinctive culture all their own.
[edit]
Mayan
The Mayan people in Belize are descended from the ancient civilization of the same name. For thousands of years these people inhabited the region known today as Mexico and Central America and it is believed that at the height of their empire, there may have been as many as 2 million Maya living in what is now Belize.[2]
[edit]
Languages
As a result of the country's long colonization by the British, English is the official language of Belize. Creole dialect frequently can be heard in the major cities and in the northern regions, Spanish is also widely spoken by the people.
[edit]
Religion
Roman Catholicism has traditionally been the most common religion in Belize, but there are a number of Protestant denominations found here as well, a remnant of the English influence. The recent influx of Chinese and East Indian groups has led to an expansion in the number of religions represented.
http://www.travelbelize.org/cult.html
CULTURE
Belize is a country of various cultures, languages, and ethnic groups. Approximately 270,000 people in Belize consist of Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Spanish, Maya, English, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese, and East Indian. Due to racial harmony and religious tolerance, all of these different elements have mixed and blended successfully, and Belize has gained a widespread reputation for its friendly peoples.
One of the most prominent ethnic groups are the Creoles, which formed 30% of the population in 2001. Creoles are descendants of the intermingling of the early British settlers with African slaves. More than 40% of the population is Mestizo. They are descendants of mixed blood Mexicans and Yucatec Mayans who fled from the Yucatan in the mid 1800's. Another 6.6% of Belize's population are the Garifuna. The Garifuna have their own language and culture. The Yucatec, Mopan, and Kekchi are three Amerindian groups which also make up Belize's population. The Chinese, with a population of 6,000 have made distinct communities, as well as the East Indians and the Mennonites.
English remains the most common language spoken followed closely by Creole, but Spanish is becoming more widely spoken. The Garifuna, Mayas, and Mennonites each speak their own language. Back To Top.
The Creoles are descendants of British settlers and African slaves and can be recognized more by their values and way of life rather than by biological manner.
Two thirds of the Creole population reside in Belize City. Creole men, even after slavery, dominated positions in logging crews, and even now dominate civil service. Back To Top.
The Garinagu came to Belize from the Bay Islands of Honduras on 19th November 1803. They are the result of the intermingling of African slaves, Carib and Arawak Indians. The Garinagu dominate the southern towns of Punta Gorda and Dangriga as well as the villages of Seine Bight, Hopkins, Georgetown, and Barranco. Some Garinagu also reside in Belize City and Belmopan.
Fishing and agriculture is a traditional way of living for the Garifuna. Rituals and traditions are still being retained as the Garinagu strive to maintain a place in Belizean society.
November 19th is a national holiday in Belize to commemorate the arrival of the Garifuna to Belize. Back To Top.
There are three Maya groups present in Belize, namely the Yucatec, Mopan, and Kekchi Maya.
The Yucatec originated from Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and came to Belize in the mid-nineteenth century running from the Guerra de Castes (Caste War). They now reside in the Corozal, Orange Walk, and Cayo Districts. Today the Yucatec Maya have exchanged their spoken language for English and Spanish.
The Mopan Maya, who were fleeing taxation and forced labor, came to Belize in 1886 from the Peten region of Guatemala. Settlements can be found in San Antonio Village in Toledo District and other villages in the Cayo District.
Kekchi Maya came to Belize in 1870's, running from enslavement by the German coffee growers in Verapaz, Guatemala. They settled in the lowland areas along rivers and streams, forming small isolated villages throughout Toledo. Because of their isolation, the Kekchi have become the most self reliant ethnic group in Belize. They are also peaceful people known for their cooperative practices in farming and cultural development.
ANCIENT MAYA
Belize was the home of the earliest Maya settlements as proven by glyph translations and diggings. In the Orange Walk District, Archaeologists have found evidence that trace Mayan communities as far back as 2000 BC
Mayans considered themselves, and still do, as products of the ceiba tree. This tree is, said to be in the center of the universe, holds up the heaven and is a symbol of life.
The fact that the Maya have contributed the concept of the zero among other things, tells that they had an advanced civilization. Yet it is somewhat a mystery why such a civilization disintegrated. Back To Top.
The Mestizos are people of mixed Spanish and Mayan descent representing roughly 48% of the Belizean population. Originally arriving in Belize in 1840 to escape La Guerra de Castas in Yucatan they were joined by others fleeing an oppressive regime in the Peten. The Mestizos are found everywhere in Belize but most make their homes in the northern regions of Corozal and Orange walk and in the western district of Cayo. The Mestizos are an integral part of the Belizean community and have been instrumental in the growth and progress of the county. Back To Top.
East Indians make up about 2% of the population and first began to arrive in Belize after Emancipation in 1838. Initially coming in as indentured, many of them stayed on to work the sugar plantations and were joined by other East Indian immigrants. East Indians are spread out over many villages and towns primarily in the Corozal and Toledo districts and are fairly well integrated into the Belizean population. Back To Top.
The Chinese population in Belize first began to arrive here to escape the Japanese invasion of China just before World War II. Moving around the Central American republics, many of them settled in Belize. More recently, many Taiwanese made their homes and established businesses in Belize as part of the economic citizenship program that was being offered by the Belizean government. Back To Top.
The Mennonites began arriving in Belize in 1958 from Manitoba, Canada, Chihuahua, and Mexico. They reside in the Orange Walk and Cayo District in six main communities : Blue Creek, Shipyard, Little Belize, Progresso, Spanish Lookout and Barton Creek. Mennonites are easily identified by their apparels, the women who wear bonnets and long dresses and the men with denim overalls and hats.
The Mennonites have made it a point to have their own school, church, and financial institution in their community. They are well grounded in agriculture, as most Belizeans benefit from the sale of their poultry products throughout the country. Furniture crafted by the Mennonites has also been placed on the Belizean market. Throughout the country they are recognized as a group of hard working people.
http://www.peacecorner.org/belize_lifestyles.htm
Lifestyles in Belize, Central America
Kriol Culture
The purpose of the National Kriol Council of Belize is to promote the culture and language of the Kriol people of Belize, as well as harmony among all the ethnic groups of Belize. Our website provides information for people interested in knowing more about our unique and fascinating culture, language, and history. The National Kriol Council of Belize was formed in 1995 and is a legally registered, not for profit company in Belize with limited liability. The Council is registered as a cultural group with the National Arts Council of Belize.
Maya Eco-Cultural System - One of the few places on earth where you are invited to step into the Maya world and participate in a full Maya experience is right here in Belize in the Cayo District....This is a place where children follow their parents into the rainforest in search of healing herbs and where the past is brought to life through the words of the elders.
Garifuna Village Project - A different cultural experience is offered by the Garifuna community of Punta Gorda, the largest town in the Toledo District. Members of this community have created a living museum in the form of recreation of a traditional Garifuna village. The project includes a restaurant, an arts and crafts shop, and an artifact museum.
http://www.goambergriscaye.com/cult.html
Belize Culture
The settlers who came from Mexico brought with them their Spanish Language, Catholic and Mexican traditions and a rich culture. The official language of Belize is English and most islanders speak and understand English but the main language is still Spanish. The Maya that some of the present settlers' ancestors once spoke is no longer spoken.
Islanders also speak Creole, a language or dialect derived from the English language. Due to the influence of Maya, Creole and English languages, most of the islanders speak today what is known as "kitchen Spanish" - informal Spanish that incorporates English, Maya and Creole words. An example is "pullar". The word comes from the English root "pull" and adds a Spanish suffix "ar". The English definition is "pull".
The Mexican settlers also brought with them a distinctly rich culture with traditions comprised of Spanish, Mayan and Catholic elements. Many of these traditions are still followed today. Some such of these is the observance of religious feast days and celebrations such as the Lenten Season, an important aspect of Catholicism; regular attendance at Church especially at Easter and Christmas and the celebration of Sacraments. Easter Procession and Novenas (prayers) are spectacular annual events and have the participation of almost the entire local population of San Pedro Town.
Another common tradition that continues today is that of naming children and places after Catholic patrons and Saints. Most of the new settlements and developments are named after Saints: e.g. San Pedro - Saint Peter.
Quinceanos
One of Ambergris Cayes most loved and spectacular events is the Quinceanos celebration. This celebration is Mexican in origin and is basically a "coming out" party for a young girl who turns fifteen. Similar to that of a sweet-sixteen party, the purpose of the Quinceanos was to announce to the community that the young girl was of a marriageable age and informed prospective husbands that the girl was available.
Although Quinceanos celebrations are still carried out today, girls at fifteen are no longer advertised as fit to wed; instead, the meaning symbolizes the girls passage from childhood to adulthood. She is dressed in a magnificent gown usually white and similar to a wedding gown. She has an escort and several maids with their escorts are followed by her friends and family to the town's Catholic Church. At the Church a special mass is held and a ring is blessed by the presiding priest and presented to the girl. Other traditions involving courtships and marriages have also changed over the years. In the past a young man interested in courting and possible marrying a young woman had to comply with certain rules. He had to ask for permission from the girl's parents to visit her at her home in the presence of all family members. The visits lasted no more than a few hours. If a girl attended a dance she had to be escorted by her parents. This has changed considerably and most young men and women intent on marriage have the freedom to conduct their courtship for the most part without the interference of parents or guardians.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belize
Wikipedia
Belize is a small nation on the eastern coast of Central America on the Caribbean Sea bordered by Mexico to the northwest and Guatemala to the west and south. The country is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy which recognizes Queen Elizabeth II as Sovereign. The name is shared by the Belize River, Belize's longest river, and Belize City, the former capital and largest city.
The only English-speaking country in Central America, Belize was a British colony for more than a century and was known as British Honduras until 1973. It became an independent nation in 1981. Belize is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Sistema de Integración Centroamericana (SICA) and considers itself to be culturally both Caribbean and Central American.
Belize is the smallest (in terms of population) non-island sovereign state in the Americas.
Ethnic groups, nationalities, and languages
According to the latest census, Belize's population is close to 300,000, and much of that number is multiracial and multiethnic. The Maya are the most established of all ethnic groupings, having been in Belize and the Yucatan region since the 500's AD. White English and Scottish settlers entered the area in the 1630's to cut logwood for export and began settling down. The first African slaves began arriving from elsewhere in the Caribbean and Africa and began intermarrying with whites and each other, to create the Creole ethnic grouping. After 1800, Mestizo settlers from Mexico and Guatemala began to settle in the North; the Garifuna, a mix of African and Carib ancestry, settled in the South by way of Honduras not long after that.
The 1900s saw the arrival of Asian settlers from Mainland China, Taiwan, Syria, Lebanon, and Korea. Central American immigrants and expatriate Americans and Africans also began to settle in the country, presenting an interesting potage. However, this was balanced by the migration of Creoles and other ethnic groups to the United States and elsewhere for better opportunities.
Currently, Mestizos comprise 50% of the population, and Creoles 25%. The rest is a mix of Maya, Garifuna, Mennonite Dutch/German farmers, Central Americans, whites from America, and most recently black Africans and Cubans brought to assist the country's development.
Not surprisingly, this mix creates an equally interesting mix of language and communication. English is the official language (Belize having been a British colony) but most Belizeans use the more familiar Belize Creole, a raucous and playful English-based language that contains colorful terms not usually translatable in English. Spanish has become important as the mother tongue of Mestizo and Central American settlers, and is a second language for much of the country. Less well known are the ancient Maya dialects, Garifuna (a mix of Spanish, Carib and other tongues) and the Dutch-German of the Mennonites. Literacy currently stands at near 80%.
Culture
Main article: Culture of Belize
Belizeans are by nature a tolerant, friendly, fun-loving people. It has long been regarded as both a curse and blessing on the nation, with some critics saying that Belizeans are not willing to sometimes fight for what they want and end up having foreigners walk all over them.
Courtesy is important to most Belizeans. It is not uncommon for Belizeans to greet each other on the street even if they have never seen each other before, or for acquaintances to spend minutes at a time chatting, oblivious to what is happening around them. Belize has retained an old world charm long lost in other countries.
[edit]
Ethnic groups
Belize Creole
Garifuna
Mestizo
Maya
Mennonite (Dutch/German farmers)
East Indian/Syrian/Lebanese
East Asian: Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean
Mainland African: Nigeria and elsewhere
Caribbean: Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba etc.
American
Music
Punta is by the far most popular genre of Garifuna music and has become the most popular genre in all of Belize. It is distinctly Afro-Caribbean, and is sometimes said to be ready for international popularization like similarly-descended styles (reggae, calypso, merengue, etc).
Brukdown is a very popular modern style of Belizean music. It evolved out of the music and dance of loggers, especially a form called buru.
Languages of Belize
The official language of Belize is English, which is the sole language of instruction in its school systems. Around 80% of the population is literate in English and as much as 90% of the population is able to speak some English. The most common language however is Kriol (Belizean Creole). Kriol is the lingua franca in much of the country and is spoken by nearly everyone in Belize as either a first- or second-language (95% of all people in Belize City speak Belizean Creole and English solely). Overall Kriol is spoken by 70% of the entire population as a first language (with around 20% speaking Creole solely and not Standard English). The next most widely spoken language is Spanish, which is spoken by approximately 35% of the population (according to the 2000 census) as a first or (mostly) second language, although in Orange Walk and Corozal Districts, Spanish is the majority language (60%). There are other languages that are common as a first language in certain areas: Garifuna in the south, the Kekchi and Mopan Maya languages in the west, and Yucatec Maya in the north.
Despite the many languages (around 8 different languages in all) the 2000 census also estimated that around 70% of all Belizeans were bilingual or even trilingual.
Culture
The Culture of Belize is wholly unique. The country's long and occasionally unpleasant history has helped to shape a culture that effortlessly blends ethnic groups, languages, religions, and more.[1]
People
Colonization, slavery, and immigration have played major roles in effecting the ethnic composition of the population and as a result, there are a number of different ethnic groups represented in Belize today. Perhaps the three largest groups are the Mestizo, and the Creole, and the Mayan.
[edit]
Mestizo
Mestizo is the name given to people of mixed ancestry that combines both Spanish and Indian heritage. In Belize, these people form the majority. The Spanish never established colonies in Belize, however, and the Mestizos living here now are mostly emigres who came to the country in the mid-1800's to avoid the violent conflicts taking place in surrounding areas.
[edit]
Creole
The second largest ethnic group found here are the Creole. Although to many people the word 'Creole' often denotes French heritage, the Creole population in Belize is a blend of English settlers and African slaves. Many modern-day Creoles tend to live in the larger, urban areas (such as Belize City) and have a distinctive culture all their own.
[edit]
Mayan
The Mayan people in Belize are descended from the ancient civilization of the same name. For thousands of years these people inhabited the region known today as Mexico and Central America and it is believed that at the height of their empire, there may have been as many as 2 million Maya living in what is now Belize.[2]
[edit]
Languages
As a result of the country's long colonization by the British, English is the official language of Belize. Creole dialect frequently can be heard in the major cities and in the northern regions, Spanish is also widely spoken by the people.
[edit]
Religion
Roman Catholicism has traditionally been the most common religion in Belize, but there are a number of Protestant denominations found here as well, a remnant of the English influence. The recent influx of Chinese and East Indian groups has led to an expansion in the number of religions represented.
http://www.travelbelize.org/cult.html
CULTURE
Belize is a country of various cultures, languages, and ethnic groups. Approximately 270,000 people in Belize consist of Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Spanish, Maya, English, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese, and East Indian. Due to racial harmony and religious tolerance, all of these different elements have mixed and blended successfully, and Belize has gained a widespread reputation for its friendly peoples.
One of the most prominent ethnic groups are the Creoles, which formed 30% of the population in 2001. Creoles are descendants of the intermingling of the early British settlers with African slaves. More than 40% of the population is Mestizo. They are descendants of mixed blood Mexicans and Yucatec Mayans who fled from the Yucatan in the mid 1800's. Another 6.6% of Belize's population are the Garifuna. The Garifuna have their own language and culture. The Yucatec, Mopan, and Kekchi are three Amerindian groups which also make up Belize's population. The Chinese, with a population of 6,000 have made distinct communities, as well as the East Indians and the Mennonites.
English remains the most common language spoken followed closely by Creole, but Spanish is becoming more widely spoken. The Garifuna, Mayas, and Mennonites each speak their own language. Back To Top.
The Creoles are descendants of British settlers and African slaves and can be recognized more by their values and way of life rather than by biological manner.
Two thirds of the Creole population reside in Belize City. Creole men, even after slavery, dominated positions in logging crews, and even now dominate civil service. Back To Top.
The Garinagu came to Belize from the Bay Islands of Honduras on 19th November 1803. They are the result of the intermingling of African slaves, Carib and Arawak Indians. The Garinagu dominate the southern towns of Punta Gorda and Dangriga as well as the villages of Seine Bight, Hopkins, Georgetown, and Barranco. Some Garinagu also reside in Belize City and Belmopan.
Fishing and agriculture is a traditional way of living for the Garifuna. Rituals and traditions are still being retained as the Garinagu strive to maintain a place in Belizean society.
November 19th is a national holiday in Belize to commemorate the arrival of the Garifuna to Belize. Back To Top.
There are three Maya groups present in Belize, namely the Yucatec, Mopan, and Kekchi Maya.
The Yucatec originated from Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and came to Belize in the mid-nineteenth century running from the Guerra de Castes (Caste War). They now reside in the Corozal, Orange Walk, and Cayo Districts. Today the Yucatec Maya have exchanged their spoken language for English and Spanish.
The Mopan Maya, who were fleeing taxation and forced labor, came to Belize in 1886 from the Peten region of Guatemala. Settlements can be found in San Antonio Village in Toledo District and other villages in the Cayo District.
Kekchi Maya came to Belize in 1870's, running from enslavement by the German coffee growers in Verapaz, Guatemala. They settled in the lowland areas along rivers and streams, forming small isolated villages throughout Toledo. Because of their isolation, the Kekchi have become the most self reliant ethnic group in Belize. They are also peaceful people known for their cooperative practices in farming and cultural development.
ANCIENT MAYA
Belize was the home of the earliest Maya settlements as proven by glyph translations and diggings. In the Orange Walk District, Archaeologists have found evidence that trace Mayan communities as far back as 2000 BC
Mayans considered themselves, and still do, as products of the ceiba tree. This tree is, said to be in the center of the universe, holds up the heaven and is a symbol of life.
The fact that the Maya have contributed the concept of the zero among other things, tells that they had an advanced civilization. Yet it is somewhat a mystery why such a civilization disintegrated. Back To Top.
The Mestizos are people of mixed Spanish and Mayan descent representing roughly 48% of the Belizean population. Originally arriving in Belize in 1840 to escape La Guerra de Castas in Yucatan they were joined by others fleeing an oppressive regime in the Peten. The Mestizos are found everywhere in Belize but most make their homes in the northern regions of Corozal and Orange walk and in the western district of Cayo. The Mestizos are an integral part of the Belizean community and have been instrumental in the growth and progress of the county. Back To Top.
East Indians make up about 2% of the population and first began to arrive in Belize after Emancipation in 1838. Initially coming in as indentured, many of them stayed on to work the sugar plantations and were joined by other East Indian immigrants. East Indians are spread out over many villages and towns primarily in the Corozal and Toledo districts and are fairly well integrated into the Belizean population. Back To Top.
The Chinese population in Belize first began to arrive here to escape the Japanese invasion of China just before World War II. Moving around the Central American republics, many of them settled in Belize. More recently, many Taiwanese made their homes and established businesses in Belize as part of the economic citizenship program that was being offered by the Belizean government. Back To Top.
The Mennonites began arriving in Belize in 1958 from Manitoba, Canada, Chihuahua, and Mexico. They reside in the Orange Walk and Cayo District in six main communities : Blue Creek, Shipyard, Little Belize, Progresso, Spanish Lookout and Barton Creek. Mennonites are easily identified by their apparels, the women who wear bonnets and long dresses and the men with denim overalls and hats.
The Mennonites have made it a point to have their own school, church, and financial institution in their community. They are well grounded in agriculture, as most Belizeans benefit from the sale of their poultry products throughout the country. Furniture crafted by the Mennonites has also been placed on the Belizean market. Throughout the country they are recognized as a group of hard working people.
http://www.peacecorner.org/belize_lifestyles.htm
Lifestyles in Belize, Central America
Kriol Culture
The purpose of the National Kriol Council of Belize is to promote the culture and language of the Kriol people of Belize, as well as harmony among all the ethnic groups of Belize. Our website provides information for people interested in knowing more about our unique and fascinating culture, language, and history. The National Kriol Council of Belize was formed in 1995 and is a legally registered, not for profit company in Belize with limited liability. The Council is registered as a cultural group with the National Arts Council of Belize.
Maya Eco-Cultural System - One of the few places on earth where you are invited to step into the Maya world and participate in a full Maya experience is right here in Belize in the Cayo District....This is a place where children follow their parents into the rainforest in search of healing herbs and where the past is brought to life through the words of the elders.
Garifuna Village Project - A different cultural experience is offered by the Garifuna community of Punta Gorda, the largest town in the Toledo District. Members of this community have created a living museum in the form of recreation of a traditional Garifuna village. The project includes a restaurant, an arts and crafts shop, and an artifact museum.
http://www.goambergriscaye.com/cult.html
Belize Culture
The settlers who came from Mexico brought with them their Spanish Language, Catholic and Mexican traditions and a rich culture. The official language of Belize is English and most islanders speak and understand English but the main language is still Spanish. The Maya that some of the present settlers' ancestors once spoke is no longer spoken.
Islanders also speak Creole, a language or dialect derived from the English language. Due to the influence of Maya, Creole and English languages, most of the islanders speak today what is known as "kitchen Spanish" - informal Spanish that incorporates English, Maya and Creole words. An example is "pullar". The word comes from the English root "pull" and adds a Spanish suffix "ar". The English definition is "pull".
The Mexican settlers also brought with them a distinctly rich culture with traditions comprised of Spanish, Mayan and Catholic elements. Many of these traditions are still followed today. Some such of these is the observance of religious feast days and celebrations such as the Lenten Season, an important aspect of Catholicism; regular attendance at Church especially at Easter and Christmas and the celebration of Sacraments. Easter Procession and Novenas (prayers) are spectacular annual events and have the participation of almost the entire local population of San Pedro Town.
Another common tradition that continues today is that of naming children and places after Catholic patrons and Saints. Most of the new settlements and developments are named after Saints: e.g. San Pedro - Saint Peter.
Quinceanos
One of Ambergris Cayes most loved and spectacular events is the Quinceanos celebration. This celebration is Mexican in origin and is basically a "coming out" party for a young girl who turns fifteen. Similar to that of a sweet-sixteen party, the purpose of the Quinceanos was to announce to the community that the young girl was of a marriageable age and informed prospective husbands that the girl was available.
Although Quinceanos celebrations are still carried out today, girls at fifteen are no longer advertised as fit to wed; instead, the meaning symbolizes the girls passage from childhood to adulthood. She is dressed in a magnificent gown usually white and similar to a wedding gown. She has an escort and several maids with their escorts are followed by her friends and family to the town's Catholic Church. At the Church a special mass is held and a ring is blessed by the presiding priest and presented to the girl. Other traditions involving courtships and marriages have also changed over the years. In the past a young man interested in courting and possible marrying a young woman had to comply with certain rules. He had to ask for permission from the girl's parents to visit her at her home in the presence of all family members. The visits lasted no more than a few hours. If a girl attended a dance she had to be escorted by her parents. This has changed considerably and most young men and women intent on marriage have the freedom to conduct their courtship for the most part without the interference of parents or guardians.
posted by Brad | 7:39 PM
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