Punta Fest a success

On Tuesday thousands of people flocked to Dangriga to celebrate National Garifuna Day. But it was not just the re-enactment that brought them to that southern town. In fact, organisers of Punta Fest 2003 estimate that two thousand people turned out at the Why Not Island for their first annual punta concert. According to the Director of the Institute for the Creative Arts–and a member of the event–Andy Palacio, although there have been attempts to hold similar shows over the years, this was the first time that a Punta Fest was carried out on such a large scale and included such an impressive line up of entertainers.

Andy Palacio, Member, Punta Fest 2003

“Our headline was Aurelio Martinez from Honduras, who has been highly anticipated to perform in Belize for a very long time and we finally got him through Punta Fest. Other foundation artists, such as Chico Ramos, Mohobub, Titiman, Leela Vernon, Pen Cayetano himself, the creator of Punta rock, Bredda David, I was onstage myself along with Aurelio at one point, and then by myself backed by Griga Boyz; that entire line-up was one made in heaven for punta rock lovers. I think if we could wipe the slate clean, this is the first annual punta fest. There have been attempts before at having a consistent punta fest running, but I think this is the first time that we have pursued it at this level, and next year it should be even better now that we have a clear cut idea how it is going to unfold. This is the fulfilment of a government manifesto promise. And the way it turned out, it seems like we’re on a very sound footing and we’re prepared to pursue it again at this level next year.”

Palacio says the entire event was funded by the Government of Belize for over sixty thousand dollars, with assistance from The National Garifuna Council.