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Tacogirl Belize blog Est. in 2007

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Garifuna Settlement Day Celebrations

by tacogirl 20/11/2011
written by tacogirl 20/11/2011
boat in belize

I would like to welcome you Paula, my guest poster for today. I was thinking about how to frame her first post with a good introduction and waiting for an idea. After reading what she had to say I decided make it 2 people’s stories of how they their Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize and add a few thoughts of my own.

How did you spend Garifuna Day? Here is Paula’s version and a few of her pictures.

Nov. 19, 2011

Cloudy skies filled with promises of rain, didn’t stop me from getting up early today. Dick, Gigi, Laurie, and I went downtown to see the reenactment of the Garifuna’s arrival to Belize. Declared “Garifuna Settlement Day”, local Rastafarians rowed ashore about 7AM, dressed in regalia, ready to celebrate and reenact when their ancestors first came to this island in 1832. There was a small parade that followed with drummers and dancers waving palm branches and banana bunches! I had no idea what that represented but I was curious. Quoting an article I later found, “Each year in Belize, when locals reenact the arrival in that land, they slip out to sea in boats, then ride the surf onto shore, waving palm fronds and banana leaves to symbolize the cassava that sustained their ancestors.”  The drums reach out to you if you reeeeally listen and I for one, can’t help but move my feet to the rhythm.

The parade slowly made its way to the Catholic Church in the heart of San Pedro. I was pleasantly surprised when the Priest began to lead us in Holy Mass. I’m not Catholic but that didn’t matter. The spiritual refreshment was sweet. The service delivered a message of hope and unity. The singing was lovely. The last thing I expected to do was attend a church service this morning, but as my grandma used to say, “God works in mysterious ways”.

After Mass, the Garifuna left the church the same way they entered … in parade fashion; drums beating in celebration, dancing or walking to the rhythm, and waving their palm fronds and banana leaves. Everyone ended up in San Pedro’s Central Park, where crafts, food, and Garifuna music was abundant. Families were there for the day with their beach spot staked-out. Locals were there to mingle, ready to share with anyone the traditions of their culture. Us gringos where there to take it all in!

Late morning we came back south and went our separate ways for a siesta … getting up at the crack of dawn will cause need for one! After resting up, we climbed in Gigi’s golf-cart to make our way back into town. We chose to sit in a nearby cafe for refreshment as we listend to the music. Afterwards, back in the park some folk obviously had not taken a siesta! They were there for the long-haul, as we say back in Alabama. We, on the other hand, were not. A long walk on the beach seemed like the perfect way to end the day, so we took off walking. Ironically, up the beach were a group of Rastas selling their wares. Gigi wanted photos of them and their things, so she snapped away.

After hearing a message of peace from each Garifuna/Rastafarian all day, it was shocking to hear one of the Rastas get irate! If I wasn’t smart, he’d have undone all I’d heard that day. There’s principals that cross all cultural boundaries; one bad apple can spoil the bunch is one of them. That is unless you find it early and toss it out. Which is just what I did. I tried to reason with him, but he was beyond that. So I tossed him a peace sign and went about my business. We all came to the conclusion he was just mad because none of us made a purchase!

All in all it was a fun day and well worth getting up early for. I’ll do it again next year. Maybe the weather will be kinder for 2012 Garifuna Settlement Day. This year, the sun peeping through the clouds made for some beautiful early morning photos. I tend to make the best of things so IT WAS ALL GOOD! Now for the next holiday … and the people of Belize have plenty of them. If there’s not a festival or holiday, that’s all good too. Being here is reason enough to celebrate every day the beauty of this island and all it gives us; gorgeous sunrises, crystal clear aqua water filled with nature’s artwork, tropical temps, cool breezes, and sunsets that make you say aaaahhhh. For those of you who have pondered moving to the tropics to escape the rat-race, I encourage you to do as I did. Take the plunge. Live the possible dream!

Paula Segrest

The Garifuna Arrive
Garifunas, Drums, and Celebration!
Unity in Diversity
Leaving the Church
Garifunas, Drums, and Celebration!
Hangin\' in the Park

Captions for Paula’s pictures.

1. The boats meet under cloudy skies as the sun peeps through the clouds. I wonder what the weather was like in 1832. 2. No floats or marching bands here, but a parade for sure! 3. Reverance and Celebration can be combined.
4. I believe God was smiling upon us. 5. I also believe prayer works! 6. Laurie, Gigi, and Dick chillaxin!

After reading hers, here is what I wrote.

Not at all how I expected to spend my Garifuna Settlement day but what a great day it turned out to be. It was an unusual morning I woke up at 430am,  did a good stretch session and decided to text Dick at 5:30 am for a sunrise walk. Instead we ended up doing the 6:00am Garifuna Settlement Day Celebrations with Paula and Gigi. Being so early it was only natural that 6:00am quickly turned into 6:20am for heading to town.  I love it when being on Belize time is on time, we walked up to the pier just as the first boat was pulling in.

After the 2 boats docked everyone headed to the church for more. While Paula took in the full service, Dick Gigi and I went for a joy ride to show her the other side of the airport. We got back just as the service was ending and spent time in the park talking to people about Garifuna day and learning more about the history of Belize.

It was not long before we all agreed it was time to head home and recharge ourselves. Half way there we found out Gigi’s golf cart needed a charge as well. We just made it to her house and made plans at touching base at 1:30 and heading back to town for 2:00pm.

After editing my pictures, I was happy to spend some time with my hot water jar and roll a few kinks out of my neck. All my much needed resting has made my muscles tighten. Thankfully I was able to get in enough down time before they came to pick me up for town.

We sat and had a drink on the Cuban patio and listened to the Garifuna music coming from the park. We decided the weather was right for a walk on the beach. We got as north as far as the Tides Hotel when Paula decided some lounge chair time was in order before heading back to town to pick up the cart and go home.

Link to pictures from 2007 Garifuna Day celebrations and Parade – tacogirl blog. Will post afternoon beach walk pictures sometime soon.

karen brodie
A Little Hammock Fun by Karen Brodie Photography
dale wallace junior san pedro belize
Dale's mechanic shop in San Juan
belize food
Creole shrimp
dragonfly pottery made by belize artist ruby hand
Dragonfly pottery Artisan Ruby hand

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tacogirl

Laure Norton grew up dyslexic and was very challenged by the school. She never dreamed she would move to Belize and become a writer. A year after her move to Ambergris Caye, Laurie became an entrepreneur and professional writer starting tacogirl blog in 2007. Since then she has helped many people plan their vacations or move. She also has been published in Great Destinations Belize Guidebook, Moon Guide to Living in Belize, Insight Guides, Island Magazine several times and USA Today. Currently Laurie resides in downtown San Pedro and enjoys being a "city girl" on a tropical island.

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7 comments

Megan Martinez 21/11/2011 - 5:46 pm

I think a bit of research is needed on the difference between Rastafarians and Garifuna, especially if you are living in Belize!

Reply
tacogirl 21/11/2011 - 6:02 pm

That would make an interesting post Megan.

Reply
paula segrest 20/11/2011 - 7:18 pm

I’m happy to be able to blog with Laurie and share a few of my photos! We have a lot of fun here in San Pedro, don’t we Laurie? : )

Reply
Debra Milstead 20/11/2011 - 1:48 pm

Nice blog post Laurie and Paula, I look forward to watching the celebration next year.

Reply
tacogirl 20/11/2011 - 7:16 pm

Ty Debra, you will enjoy it.

Reply
Emily 20/11/2011 - 11:36 am

Love all the bright colors in these photos and both Paula and Laurie’s blogs on the day. Thanks for sharing it with everyone who couldn’t make it!

Reply
tacogirl 20/11/2011 - 7:17 pm

Glad you enjoyed our joint post Emily.

Reply

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Corey Holm
Corey Holm
04:38 25 Feb 20
I take the seniors from our academy to Belize every year for their senior trip. One of the first people I contact when... I start planning the trip is Laurie with TacoGirl Belize. She knows the island of San Pedro better than anyone else out there. Trust me, I have looked. If you are looking for the best restaurants, hang outs and shops then Laurie help plan your vacation.read more
Carol Taylor
Carol Taylor
15:53 24 Feb 20
Love Taco Girl Blog @LaurieNorton! I've been reading this blog since I started visiting Ambergris Caye in Belize almost... 10 years ago. It is filled with helpful up-to-date information and recommendations that I wouldn't necessarily find on my own. Laurie Norton's knowledge and extensive network on the island provides her with the ability to share perks/discounts/coupons with her readers, which come in handy year after year. Things on the island change daily - new businesses pop up constantly and LaurieNortonstays on top of these developments. Whenever I plan my return trip to the island, I always check her blog first - and I recommend you do the same. Trip Advisor ain't got nuttin' on Taco Girl!read more
Heidi
Heidi
20:01 20 Feb 20
Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s... always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. There is so much information it's amazing! Thank you Laurie!!!read more
Nick Goodman
Nick Goodman
21:23 30 Nov 19
I am considering a move to Belize and I have serendipitously found tacogirl.....what a treasure! She is full of great... advice, helpful hints.....knows everybody on Ambergris Caye and has a thousand useful recommendations and suggestions. Whether you are planning a vacation or relocating, you should make use of the many services she has to offer…..read more
KellyDivePhotography
KellyDivePhotography
20:58 30 Nov 19
I’m so pleased to see tacogirl's blog on Google. Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and... local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. I especially enjoy her guest articles, providing a different perspective of all things San Pedro. Her tipping quide is a classic, and don’t forget her Tropic Air flight code and on-island discounts. You’re not up-to-date with what’s going on in San Pedro if you’re not regularly reading tacogirl's blog.read more
Sandra Godfrey
Sandra Godfrey
15:58 23 Nov 19
I have known Laurie (Taco Girl) for several years. She has been a wealth of good information for me in all of my... pursuits in Belize. I highly recommend her for any services you may require.read more
William Jones
William Jones
13:39 06 May 19
Do yourself a favor. Read this BEFORE any trip to San Pedro - Ambergris Caye or Belize in general. Not saying “do... what everyone else says”, but Laurie has frank and honest info which will make your stay in country a little more fun, a little more informative, and often at a great cost savings. Best thing: it’s unbiased, honest, and factual. Personal note: thank you for your personal tailored help in answering mine (and my wife’s) questions.read more
Kimberly Robinson
Kimberly Robinson
18:28 03 May 19
Taco Girl (Laurie) is amazing. She has so much knowledge about Belize and has great connections with many of the... businesses in Belize. Because of her connections she is able to offer many perks and discounts that you wouldn't have been able to find otherwise. She is super responsive and I always go to her for all my travel needs. From golf cart rentals, to spas, to places to eat. She's got the inside scoop on all!read more
Michael Rieck
Michael Rieck
20:22 21 Apr 19
Since 2003, my wife and I have been to Ambergris at least once a year to experience the fantastic diving. About twelve... years ago we me Tacogirl on a blog giving us discounts on golf carts, local airfares, and restaurants. Over the years we have grown a friendship and I look forward to her weekly blogs about he changes on my favorite home away from home. The island changes every year, and she always shows you what to see, do, and eat.read more
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I took the plunge and moved to San Pedro Town on the Island of Ambergris Caye, off the coast of Belize, Central America. Originally from Canada, I made the life-changing move to escape winter for good (in 2006) after one three week vacation.

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3 childhood memories that shaped my desire to move to Belize from a young age.Sailing in the Virgin Islands, seeing a rainbow out the window of an island hopper as we flew from Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico, Christmas in Hawaii and many trips to Florida.

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