Garífuna

The Garífuna are an Afro-Honduran ethnic group. They are descendants of West African, Central African, Carib, and Arawak people. The Garífuna people primarily inhabit the Caribbean coasts of Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Belize. Their language, Garifuna, is an Arawakan language with West African and European influences, and is recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

The history of the Garífuna begins in the 17th century with the shipwreck of two Spanish slave ships near the island of Saint Vincent. The enslaved Africans who survived intermingled with the indigenous Carib and Arawak populations. This union led to the formation of a distinct culture and people. In 1797, the British deported the Garífuna from Saint Vincent to the island of Roatán, off the coast of present-day Honduras. From there, they gradually spread to the mainland coasts of Central America.

Garífuna culture is rich and diverse, characterized by its unique music, dance, and cuisine. Punta music and dance are particularly well-known expressions of their heritage, often featuring lively rhythms and energetic movements. Their diet traditionally includes seafood, cassava, plantains, and coconuts. The Garífuna have maintained a strong sense of community and cultural identity despite historical challenges and displacement. Their traditions are passed down through generations, ensuring the survival of their unique heritage.