Belize, once known as British Honduras, is the only English-speaking country in Central and South America. From the early 1800s, Belize was part of the British commonwealth. In the past, the country was part of a longstanding dispute with Guatemala, which claimed that Belize was part of that country. With the help of Great Britain and the United Nations, Belize became an independent nation on September 21, 1981. Customs traditions in Belize are a result of the diversity of people who live there.
The true history of Belize, of course, goes back much further to the Mayan civilization. Belize customs traditions are a fusion of many influences. Although English is spoken in Belize, the Creole dialect is spoken throughout the country. Creoles make up about 30 percent of the country and are descendants of slaves and Europeans. Most Creoles live in the largest city, San José.
The Mayans are the descendants of the Mayan Civilization that flourished in Central America over a thousand years ago. Most of the current Mayan population is believed to have migrated to Belize during the 1800’s. Most of the Mayan population is found in southern Belize in three distinctly different groups. The Mayans make up about 13 percent of the total population. Belizean costumbrista traditions are heavily influenced by the Mayans in these areas.
Mestizos migrated to Belize from the Yucatan during the Caste Wars of the mid-1800s. They make up about 40 percent of the population and live on the northern islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, as well as in the Orange Walk and Corosal districts. . Their common language is Spanish at home but they use English on the streets and in businesses. Mestizo food is a favorite of visitors and locals alike.
The Garifuna make up another large part of the population who live mainly along the southern coast. According to the government, they make up about 7 percent of the population. They are descendants of Slavs and Indians who migrated to this area in the early 19th century. They speak their own language and live in different communities. On November 19 of each year, Garífuna Settlement Day is celebrated throughout the country. Known for their highly distinctive cuisine and art, they make a special contribution to Belizean customs traditions.
More recent immigration to Belize includes Mennonites who came from Mexico in the early 1960s and established their traditional agrarian communities on large tracts of land in the Orange Walk and Cayo districts. Much of Belize’s agricultural produce comes from these close-knit, close-knit communities. They are also famous for their skills in furniture and construction. Additionally, there are distinct Chinese and Arab communities located in San José. All of which adds to the spice and variety of customs traditions in Belize.
Belize is a beautiful tropical paradise where many different cultures flourish. Many people are migrating to this country due to the customs traditions of Belize. Retirement communities are growing every year. All attesting to the quality of life in Belize.
