For decades, educator and civil advocate Sebastian Cayetano has been a champion for representation of the Garifuna people of Belize, founding the National Garifuna Council in 1980, the same year that Belize got its independence. He has helped develop five museums around the country dedicated to culture, customs, and history of the Garifuna people.
This interview is part of The World Made Local, a global collaboration between the seven international editions of Condé Nast Traveler in which 100 people in 100 countries tell us why their home turf should be your next destination.
Tell us about Belize.
We are the melting pot of Central America. We have 12 ethnic groups, including many Mayan, large immigrant communities from Guatemala, as well as the Garifuna, or Black Belizeans. We are the heart of Mayan civilization, and so many people do not realize this. We are not taught this in our schools. Ironically, it has taken travelers to open the locals’ eyes to the range of traditional cultures and customs found throughout Belize.
So where can we see this mix of cultures?
Go to Hopkins Village and Punta Gorda for Garifuna culture. There you will see traditional lifestyles, like women preparing cassava bread. This takes two days to prepare! But it is excellent. Head to San Miguel to experience our Mayan culture and observe traditional farming for crops like rice, beans, cabbage, and pineapple.
Any other spots to learn about the Garifuna?
We have five museums in Belize City and Liberta. All contain artifacts and literature about our people. A notable relic is our native drums, whose purpose was to create music for dances to connect and communicate with our ancestors. They represent our past, present, and future and are very powerful.
With one day in Belize City, where should we go?
Definitely the Garifuna museums! Then I’d take you for a lunch of cassava bread, mashed plantain with coconut milk, and cassava wine at a restaurant called Lilisi. Then we would go to the National Museum to talk about our colonial history. But don’t skip the keys! You have to snorkel, fish, and scuba dive while here. I like the lesser-developed cayes, like St. George's Caye and South Water Caye.
Anything else we should know?
When you come around Belize, don’t stay only at the pricey hotels! Reach out to the native people. We are friendly and want to host; we will talk to you about our history and struggles. And be intentional in your seasons! In November, there are the Garifuna host celebrations where we drum and dance. In September, the country celebrates our independence with a wonderful parade.
