Children join in celebrations

This afternoon, children joined in the ongoing Garifuna celebrations taking place across the country. The students gathered at the House of Culture for an afternoon of entertainment. News Five stopped by.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting

The rally is the first of its kind to take place as part of the Garifuna celebrations. Students from ten primary schools in Belize City were asked to participate by bringing in items which highlight the Garifuna culture.

Dativa Martinez, Coordinator, Kids Rally

“There will be drummer from both the Ugundani and Laru Beya boys. There will also be the Garifuna choir that usually signs at St. Martin?s, but sings in all over now, who will do some of the items for us. We are presenting the queen for Belize City, Roslin Morris and we will also be treating the children to what we would think it a very cultural little treat, a bag of chips, but it?s made up of plantain, cassava, yam, coco all in one. Its quite a good treat.”

The children experienced the Garifuna culture through dance, music, poetry and drama.

Dativa Martinez

“We thought it was a good idea to make events that involved the whole country, Belize City as well. Particularly, this year?s theme is ?Labagaridun Garifunadous Hadasi Sun Isanigu? that means the survival of Garifuna is a challenge for the youth. So we thought why now involve the youth? And as such we thought of a primary school children?s rally that would depicts some of our Garifuna culture, music, dance and so on.”

Martinez says at this time they do not know if the rally will be an annual event. They will, however, be having similar educational activities in the future to observe Garifuna celebrations.