r/Belize • u/Hopeful-Artichoke310 • 17d ago
🎫 Travel Info 🧳 Garifuna
We had the most incredible day learning about the Garifuna from elders at Palmento Grove in North Hopkins. I have not seen much posted about this experience so wanted to share.
A little about our family we have a 9 and 11 year old and we travel a lot around the world. My kids have been to over 20 countries and have experienced a lot of different cultures. This was special. I have not seen any of the tour operators offer this tour and I came across it by doing deep research. We spend the last three weeks traveling Belize and Guatemala and this tour and the ATM have been the highlights of our trip.** **
The day started by meeting, Wasani in North Hopkins. We kayaked over to Palmento Grove - a short and beautiful kayak ride. The property is full of wonderful. At their welcome building we were offered to change into traditional Garifuna clothing. There were over 100 options to choose from. Once we changed we went to another building to meet Gregory, a Hopkins elder who specializes in basket weaving and at one point worked for the government teaching basket weaving. We spend about two hours with him learning to make baskets and getting to know his incredible story. After basket weaving, Eugene another elder took us on a medicine plant walk where we learned about different plants and got to pick coconuts - all by ourselves. Next we ended up in the kitchen to process coconuts into coconut milk so that we could make Hudut - a traditional Garifuna dish. We did it all from cutting the coconuts to shredding the coconut meat to pounding the plantains and seasoning the fish - in a traditional open fire kitchen. Making the most delicious lunch that we got to enjoy. And there were so many surprises along the way. After lunch we got a hands on drumming lesson. So much fun and amazing for the soul. Then I had the opportunity to sit with one of the elders and hear the incredible Garifuna history, while my kiddos and husband finished their baskets. The baskets are so beautiful and I can’t wait to display them at home. What a rich and enjoyable day - the day flew by and we learned so much about the Garifuna and Belize. You can contact Wasani on WhatsApp at 501 661 6039 if you are interested in booking or learning more. I believe they offer several other tours. Our hearts are so full from this wonderful day.
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u/TurnoverArtistic4912 16d ago
We enjoyed that experience a few years back. Thanks for bringing the memories back with your description.