Garifuna Settlement Day (Belize)

Garifuna Settlement Day is a public holiday in Belize, and it is observed on November 19 each year. The holiday commemorates the arrival of the Garifuna people in Belize on November 19, 1802.

The Afro-Caribbean Garifuna people originated with the arrival of West African slaves on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent in the early 17th century. They intermarried with indigenous Arawak and Kalinago Indians, who were from South America, and formed the Garifuna ethnic group.

The Garifuna people lived peacefully on the island of St. Vincent in the 17th century, and they were exiled to the Island of Roatan in 1798. From there, they migrated to the Caribbean coast of Belize, Guatemala and Nicaragua. It is believed that the first Garifuna arrived in Belize on November 19, 1802, which was celebrated as Garifuna Settlement Day.  

The following is the list of Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize from 2022 to 2026.

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