The calendar of events leading up to National Garifuna Settlement Day celebration on November 19th in San Pedro Town has been officially released by the San Pedro Cultural Committee. The events have the endorsement of the National Garifuna Council and support at the local level as well as the Minister of Tourism and Culture Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. and the San Pedro Town Council.
“We want to have a united celebration and we want all Garifunas to join in the celebration. We also invite our local residents and visitors to enjoy the rich culture that will be on full display during the course of the month,” said the Chairman of the San Pedro Cultural Committee Councilor Mito Paz. The calendar of events is being held under the theme “Wawansera Memeba Lau Lubafu Bungui Hama Ahari – We keep going forward with the Power of God and the Ancestors.”
November 11th – Story Telling Night – Palapa/Central Park, 7-10PM
November 13th
National Awareness Day – Countrywide, All Day
Punta Fest – Tackle Box, 9PM – 3AM
November 14th – Garifuna Translation Quiz – Central Park, 7-10PM
November 16th
Cultural Exhibition/Food Sale – Central Park, 9AM-6PM
Primary School Yurumei -Central Park, 1-3:30PM
Drumming/Singing/Cultural Dances Central Park, 6-10PM
November 17th
National Sailing Competition Central Park, 11AM – 4PM
Cultural Exhibition/Food Sale Central Park, 9AM-6PM
Jankunu Dances House to House 1-6PM
Drumming/Singing/Cultural Dances Central Park 6-11PM
November 18th
National Sailing Competition, Central Park, 9AM – 3PM
Traditional All night cultural event Central Park 7PM – until
Battle of the Drums
Jankunu/Two foot Cow and Cherikanari Dances
November 19th
Official Yurumei Boca del Rio 5:30AM
Parade follows Yurumei from Boca del Rio to SP Roman Catholic Church
Official Ceremony Central Park 9AM
Entertainment/public cookout Central Park All Day
This year is the first in which the event is being spearheaded by the SP Cultural Committee. The event has been planned for several weeks and is being sponsored by many stakeholders including the San Pedro House of Culture, the National Institute for Culture and History (NICH), Belize Tourism Board, San Pedro Town Council and Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr.
