4 Garifuna Museums you Need to Visit in Belize
The Garifuna Journey to Belize Exhibit at the Barranco House of Culture © Alberita Frances Enriquez & Barranco House of Culture
Gulisi Garifuna Museum, Dangriga Town
The Gulisi Garifuna Museum was founded in 2004 by the National Garifuna Council and the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH). It is located in Dangriga Town, Belize.
The museum offers a full multimedia experience, teaching visitors about Garifuna history and traditions.
“You will learn the origins of the Garifuna people, their history and customs. You will be able to hear the beating of the drums, see a full-sized working garden of traditional plants and herbs, and experience the traditional dancing.”
Contact:
Facebook • gulisimuseum@yahoo.com • Phone: +501 542-2700
2. Luba Garifuna Museum, Belize City
The Luba Garifuna Museum is located in Belize City. It has been active for over twenty years, owned and managed by Sebastian Cayetano. The main aim of the Luba Garifuna Museum is to safeguard, promote and document Garifuna Culture.
The Museum is also engaged in marine conservation to raise awareness, understand and respect the mangroves that are of crucial importance in preserving the culture of fishermen.
Contact:
Facebook • Phone: +501 202-4331
3. Darina Museum & Lisanigu Libertad Dance Group, Libertad Village
The Darina Garifuna Museum is located in Libertad Village in the Northernmost district of Corozal. Libertad is also home of the Lisanigu Libertad Dance Group of young, talented people who safeguard the traditional art form of dance and drumming. The group was formed in 2006 by Samuel and Simeone Zuniga, who is also the curator of the Darina Garifuna Museum.
The name Lisanigu Libertad translates to “Children of Libertad”. The group actively engages children and Garifuna youth to safeguard culture and celebrate the Garifuna community in Libertad Village.
The community is also the heart of the annual Yurumein – the reenactment of the Garinagu people’s arrival to Belizean shores. The reenactment happens early on November 19th, the celebration of Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize.
Contact:
Contact the president of the National Garifuna Council – Libertad Branch, Mr Norman Zuniga or the group coordinator, Simeona Zuniga through their personal Facebook Pages.
4. Lan Barangu Luban Garifunaduaü Garifuna Resource Center (Barranco House of Culture), Toledo District
Lan Barangu Luban Garifunaduaü (Barranco House of Culture) is a Garifuna Resource Center. It is located in the small village of Barranco, in the Toledo District of Belize.
“The Resource Center was established on November 15th, 2005. Its purpose is to showcase elements of the Garifuna Culture of the Barranco Village and other Garinagu in the Garifuna Nation within Belize and abroad. This facility is the longest standing House of Culture in the Toledo District. Visitors and students from within Belize and abroad can learn about the history and culture of the village residents. They can view samples of clothing, implements for fishing, farming, home use, travel, language and music that were (and are still) used by the Garifuna people”
The museum and resource center is located at the family land of Dr Alberita Enriquez. The lot was passed down through three generations and has historical significance in the community.
Contact:
alberitaenriquez@gmail.com • Alberita Enriquez WhatsApp: +501 632-2488 • Alberita Enriquez Phone (Punta Gorda): +501 722-2082 • Irma Gonzalez, museum caretaker phone number: +501 639-9431