Brief History / Context

Dangriga

History / Context:

• Dangriga (formerly Stann Creek Town) was founded in the early 19th century by the Garinagu / Garifuna people — who are descendants of African slaves and Carib/Arawak indigenous people. They came after being exiled from St. Vincent by the British. 
• The town developed as a port and trading center for bananas, coconuts, timber, and fish. 
• It plays a central role in preserving Garifuna culture in Belize (music, dance, drumming, cuisine, etc.).

Fun Facts:

• Dangriga is often called the “Cultural Capital of Belize.” 
• The name “Dangriga” is a Garifuna term meaning “standing waters” (or in some accounts “sweet water was close at hand”). 
• Every year on November 19, Belize celebrates Garifuna Settlement Day, commemorating the arrival of the Garifuna to Belize; Dangriga is one of the major centers of the festival. 
• The Drums of Our Fathers monument in Dangriga is a well-known sculpture honoring Garifuna musical tradition (with drums & rattles etc.) as symbols of past-present-future.

Fun Facts

Dangriga is often called the “Cultural Capital of Belize.”  The name “Dangriga” is a Garifuna term meaning “standing waters” (or in some accounts “sweet water was close at hand”).  Every year on November 19, Belize celebrates Garifuna Settlement Day, commemorating the arrival of the Garifuna to Belize; Dangriga is one of the major centers of the festival.  The Drums of Our Fathers monument in Dangriga is a well-known sculpture honoring Garifuna musical tradition (with drums & rattles etc.) as symbols of past-present-future.

Top Things To Do

• * Garifuna Cultural Experiences
• * Visit Studio Gallery Cayetano
• * Gulisi Garifuna Museum
• * Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary & Jaguar Preserve
• * Mayflower Bocawina National Park
• * Antelope Falls
• * River or Marine Tours
• * Sunset Cruises & Reef Snorkel Tours
• * Cave Tubing & Maya Ruins Combos
• * Market & Local Walkabouts

Brief History / Context

• Hopkins is a coastal village in the Stann Creek District. Its population is largely Garifuna.

• The village was established in 1942. It replaced “Newtown,” which had been destroyed by a hurricane further up the coast.

• Over time, it has become well known for preserving Garifuna traditions in drumming, dance, food, etc., while also becoming more connected to tourism.

Fun Facts

- Fun Facts: Known as “The Friendliest Village in Belize.” Divided into Northside and Southside. Famous for Garifuna dishes like hudut.

Top Things To Do

• * Garifuna Drumming and Dance Lessons
• * Lebeha Drumming Center
• * Hopkins Village Beachfront Walk
• * Hopkins Bay Resort Activities
• * Dive and Snorkel Tours to South Water Caye Marine Reserve
• * Sittee River Wildlife and Boat Tours
• * Kayaking and Paddleboarding in the Lagoon
• * Horseback Riding Tours
• * Mayflower Bocawina National Park Adventures
• * Ziplining and Waterfall Rappelling
• * Local Seafood and Beachfront Dining
• * Hopkins Farmers Market
• * Fishing Charters (Deep Sea or Fly Fishing)
• * Garifuna Cooking Classes
• * Sunset Catamaran Cruises
• * Cultural Day Trips to Dangriga or Maya Center Village
• * Spa and Wellness Retreats
• * Yoga on the Beach
• * Dolphin and Manatee Watching Tours
• * Nighttime Bioluminescence Tours