Page 24 - Visitor Guides

THE CULTURES OF BELIZE & MEXICO

Belize and Yucatan are renowned for their diversity of landscapes, abundance of tropical biology
and the people who are woven into the very fabric of this landscape. Our philosophy of travel is
to become a part of this human mosaic; we participate in a cultural journey that is shared across

borders, with influences from the Caribbean Sea to the green jungled hills of Central America.
Looking to the east, the spirit is distinctly Caribbean, particularly in Belize, with the vibrant
Garifuna and Creole communities. The Garifuna, a coastal people with African and Carib Indian

ancestry have over the last 200 years migrated through the West Indies to eventually settle on the
shores of Honduras, Guatemala and Belize. The Garifuna have a strong, unique Afro-Caribbean
culture, portrayed through language, music and dance. Many of our guides on the sea are of
Garingua origin and you’ll hear stories and songs of their history, telling how their forefathers

struggled to overcome unimaginable hardship to reach this good land.
Our Creole heritage in Belize is equally colourful. The term Creole denotes an African-
European heritage – in the seventeen and eighteen hundreds, African slaves who were brought to

the Caribbean intermarried with English and Scottish settlers creating their own unique culture
and language.
Likely, the most celebrated culture of the Yucatan and Belize are the indigenous Maya, widely
portrayed through the mystery of their ancient ruined cities (to this day still being discovered in
the most remote jungles) they are a people finding their way forward in an increasingly modern

world. Their challenge is to provide basic services in their villages such as electricity, clean water
and modern education while preserving their distinct language and vast store of traditional
knowledge.

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