Although you'll find a blend of many cultures here, the following are key traditions and influences:

Garifuna

Garifuna culture is one of the most interesting in Belize, a combination of African and Caribe Indian. The village of Hopkins, Dangriga and Seine Bight, Punta Gorda and Barranco contain Garinagu people whose Garifuna language contains elements of African, Indian, Spanish, French and English.

British

As a former British colony, Belize has English as its official language and is a member of the Commonwealth. Formerly known as British Honduras, the country became self-governing in 1964 and independent in 1981, when its name changed to Belize.

Creole

The heritage of a large portion of Belizeans, and a common second language.

Spanish

Spanish influence is most notable in the Corozal District, the San Ignacio area, and on Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.

Mayan

Mayan people have lived in Belize since 1200 B.C. Even though the great cities of Mayan civilization were abandoned centuries ago, the Maya never left Belize. Mayan villages can still be found in the Cayo District to the west and the Toledo District in the south.

Mennonites

Mennonites fled Europe to escape religious persecution in the 1920s. Their cornfields flourish in the Orange Walk District, and horses and buggies driven by fair-haired men in bib overalls and straw hats can be seen throughout the country.