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Yes!! Greetings we bring to you from the Caribbean’s richest and most unspoiled tropical paradise Belize. Nestled between Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea just south of the Mexican border, Belize is a mere two-hour flight from Houston, Texas and a little less from Miami, Florida. Formerly British Honduras, Belize is said to have derived its name from a Scottish buccaneer Captain Peter Wallace who historians say established the first European settlement in the Bay of Honduras in 1638. Others prefer to attribute it to the Mayan word "belakin" meaning land towards the sea or alternatively beliz (muddy waters). |
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Be what it may , we boast one of the richest and most diverse cultural heritages known to the world. Referred to by some as the “melting pot” of Central America and the Caribbean , Belize is home to a myriad of ethnic groups among which can be found Mayans, Creole (Kriol), Garinagu and Mestizo with smaller numbers of Mennonites, East Indians and Taiwanese. Languages spoken range from Kriol, English and Spanish to more than six other native tongues distinguishing Belize as the most multi-lingual nation in the region.
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Adearly beloved sanctuary for us native Belizeans dating back as far as 1200 B.C., Belize has always had the reputation of a safe haven beginning withBritish pirates and buccaneers who from within the confines of our barrier reef, staged attacks on Spanish galleons carrying gold and other booty to Europe .
In a similar fashion , the Garinagu fleeing persecution in Honduras in 1823 and the Mestizos fleeing the “Caste War” in Yucatan, Mexico in the 1840’s have also tasted the meaning of peace and freedom on our shores. Even as late as 1979, Central American refugees from neighbouring El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras have found prosperity and a peaceful co-existence in Belize after having fled civil war and social unrest in their homeland. |
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Can you then wonder why we have such a unique ‘cultural mélange’ with an even more colourful and spicy flavour than the ‘rice- and- beans’ , stewed chicken and potato salad favoured by so many Belizeans? It is this rich blend of beliefs, traditions and races that has shaped the form and engendered the essence of modern day Belizean history , culture and identity. |
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Cultural vibes and rhythms of Belize will take you through time in a comprehensive exposition of Belize’s history and culture in a remarkably accurate yet very lively and entertaining shore excursion. Be prepared for an interesting guided cultural tour and dances staged by some of Belize’s premier cultural dancers . It showcases a full spectrum of Belizean cultural life to include food, folklore, original dress, music and dance, and real life representations of each major ethnic group. Performances are carried out in a laidback and relaxing atmosphere and you will of course be encouraged to participate in an educational yet very gratifying cultural experience. We invite you to feel the Belizean rhythm, savour the tropical cuisine, relive our colourful history and take back with you unforgettable cultural vibes of this beautiful "Jewel" of ours!!
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