Garifuna Settlement Day

Next celebratedThursday, November 19, 2026

Get ready to dance, sing and feast on delicious traditional dishes - it's Garifuna Settlement Day, a vibrant celebration of culture and heritage!

See how to celebrate

Countdown to the day

--DAYS

--HRS

--MIN

--SEC

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar TeamHave an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATENovember 19

OBSERVED INBelize

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYIndigenous

INTRO

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the vibrant culture and rich history of the Garifuna people on November 19 for Garifuna Settlement Day! This special day commemorates the arrival of the Garifuna people to Belize in 1832, after being exiled from their homeland. The Garifuna community is known for their unique music, dance, and cuisine that reflects a blend of African, Caribbean, and indigenous influences. It's a time to honor their resilience and contributions to Belizean society. So come join in on the festivities and learn more about this fascinating culture on Garifuna Settlement Day!

TIMELINE

Garifuna Settlement Day Timeline

Garifuna Origin

African slaves shipwrecked on St. Vincent, intermixed with the Carib and Arawak natives, creating the Garifuna people.

Garifuna Exile

After clashing with British colonists, the Garifuna are exiled from St. Vincent to Roatan Island, off the coast of Honduras.

Garifuna Arrival in Belize

Garifuna people led by Alejo Beni arrive on the coast of Belize and establish a settlement.

First Garifuna Settlement Day

Thomas Vincent Ramos, a Garifuna civil rights activist, inaugurates the first Garifuna Settlement Day in Stann Creek and Toledo.

National Public Holiday Status

The Belizean government declares Garifuna Settlement Day a national public holiday, celebrated annually on November 19.

UNESCO Recognition

Garifuna language, dance, and music are proclaimed a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day

Attend a traditional dance performance

Garifuna Settlement Day is known for its vibrant music and dance. Attend a performance by a local Garifuna dance group to experience the culture and celebrate the holiday.

LEARN

Learn how to cook traditional Garifuna dishes

Take a cooking class or watch online tutorials to learn how to make traditional Garifuna dishes such as hudut, cassava bread, and seafood soup. Share your creations with friends and family to celebrate the holiday.

VISIT

Visit a Garifuna village

Take a trip to a Garifuna village to immerse yourself in the culture, learn about the history of the holiday, and participate in traditional celebrations such as drumming and singing.

WATCH

Watch a Garifuna film or documentary

Take some time to watch a film or documentary about the Garifuna people and their history. This is a great way to educate yourself and celebrate the holiday at the same time.

ORGANIZE

Organize a beach cleanup

Garifuna Settlement Day is also a time to celebrate and preserve the natural beauty of the Garifuna homeland. Organize a beach cleanup with friends and family to show your appreciation for the environment and the holiday.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Garifuna Settlement Day

It promotes awareness and understanding

By celebrating Garifuna Settlement Day, non-Garifuna individuals can learn more about this important culture and gain a better understanding of its history and traditions. This holiday serves as an opportunity to bridge gaps and promote cultural diversity and acceptance.

It's a celebration of Garifuna culture and heritage

Garifuna Settlement Day is an important holiday for the Garifuna people, who celebrate their history, traditions, and contributions to society. It's a chance for them to showcase their unique culture through food, music, dance, and other cultural activities.

It brings people together

Garifuna Settlement Day is a time for family and community gatherings, where people come together to celebrate and honor their shared heritage. It's a day of unity and pride for the Garifuna people, bringing them closer together as a community.