Hopkins Beach Village serves as the epicenter of Garifuna culture in Belize, a vibrant culture composed of African, Caribbean, and indigenous South American influences.
Start planning exciting day trips to lush rainforests, Mayan ruins, and world-famous caves! River tubing and ziplining along South Stann Creek River are sure to satisfy waterfall hunters as well.
Garifuna Culture in Hopkins
Garifuna is an indigenous group from Belize who are descendants of Island Carib, West African, and Arawak cultures. Although they make up just 6 percent of its population, their presence plays a key role in its culture and identity.
Hopkins offers visitors an exceptional opportunity to gain more knowledge and understanding about Garifuna culture and history in ways few other places can. Experience their distinctive language, music, and food traditions firsthand during your stay.
Simply visiting Hamanasi Resort is an effortless experience; its village serves as a cultural center with multiple eateries offering traditional Garifuna dishes like Hudut (fish cooked in coconut broth and served with mashed plantains) or take a drumming lesson from Lebeha Drumming School or attend one of its events to see some of Belize’s top drummers in action!
Drums are an integral part of Garifuna culture, representing their connection with African ancestry and heritage. Their beat serves as a constant reminder to its community members of their heritage; its sound can even be heard throughout villages! Drums also serve as a source of income for many local residents by being sold both to tourists as well as residents alike.
Garifuna are an endangered culture despite their strong sense of community. Although UNESCO named their language, music, and dance a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001, they still struggle with decreasing numbers as time passes.
Tourism can play an essential role in helping the Garifuna continue their way of life while passing down their culture to future generations. That is why festivals like Garifuna Settlement Day have become so beloved among visitors to the country.
Garifuna Settlement Day will take place in Hopkins on November 19, and those looking to experience its celebration and culture should book early accommodations. The Lodge at Chaa Creek suggests their Garifuna Celebration Package which combines accommodations, tickets to the festival, and a tour of their village.
Maya Culture
At their height during their 2,000-year dominance over much of Central America, the Maya constructed advanced cities, temples and other impressive structures as well as leaving behind stone inscriptions describing their culture, history and predictions. Though some of their advanced knowledge was lost upon Spanish conquest, their sophisticated civilization remains captivating to modern visitors today and their traditions continue to fascinate modern visitors.
Hopkins Village provides an ideal coastal base for exploring Belize’s southern region, presenting more untouched temples and even fully rebuilt cities that haven’t received as much promotion – not to mention plenty of outdoor adventures away from crowds! Here, you’ll find more pristine temples as well as fully rebuilt cities that remain under-promoted – not forgetting Hopkins Village itself is also worth the journey!
Hopkins is known as Belize’s friendliest village and features a vibrant Garifuna culture. Descended from West Africans, Central Africans, island Caribs and Arawak/Yucatec Maya natives who were slaves on Spanish ships; music, food and art reflect this melting pot of cultures; whether listening to its rhythmic drumming or taking an art class you will quickly appreciate what makes Hopkins special.
Belize’s karst landscape has created many caves perfect for exploration. Ranging from dry caves that are ideal for spelunking to wet caves that offer opportunities to float, there’s something here for every adventurer. Take a tour with an expert guide and you will learn of their spiritual importance to Maya spirituality, with captivating characters such as Yo Gabba Gabba as well as messages with moral lessons embedded throughout each cave’s design.
Belize’s Maya population thrives in traditional villages across the country, where they still practice time-honored building and farming techniques. They remain proud of their rich heritage, eager to share it with visitors who come into their villages – be it for a quick chat or an extended conversation; their warm hospitality will make your trip to Belize truly enjoyable!
History
Hopkins is a quiet coastal village known as the top cultural center in Belize. Home to a vibrant Garifuna community that welcomes travelers with open arms, Hopkins is also the ideal starting point to discover both the jungle and ocean in Belize.
Hopkins is located on Belize’s southeastern coast in Stann Creek District and has long been recognized as “the friendliest village.” Divided by where Sittee River meets Caribbean waters, Hopkins boasts one of the most stunning bays in all of Belize.
Hopkins is home to many Garifuna people, descendants of Afro-Caribbeans who first arrived via shipwreck off St Vincent in 1635. These descendants mixed with local Island Carib and Arawak tribes to form their own unique culture that’s celebrated today. Hopkins is widely known for its vibrant drumming and musical performances that draw both locals and visitors alike to this village renowned for its cultural hub status.
Kendrya visited an art gallery and met Marlon, its owner. He shared an enchanting tale about where one of their most popular products originated: two reversible black and white dolls made popular during slavery times in the 1800s by locals to protect themselves against colonial whites who would steal away these beloved pieces; when seeing white people approaching they would flip their doll so its black side showed, thus keeping its tradition alive.
Hopkins offers more than just culture; visitors will also experience the interweave of jungle and sea with various excursions available there. Explore its barrier reef, dive deep sea depths, or take an organized hiking tour through its lush jungle to spot wild animals!
If you’re seeking something extra adventurous, Hopkins offers day trips to Cayo for the epic Maya ruins at Xunantunich – perfect to learn about Belizean history! Although Xunantunich may take two to three hours to drive time from Hopkins, its beauty makes the drive worth your while!
Things to Do at Hopkins
Hopkins is an idyllic seaside village in Belize’s Stann Creek District known as “The Friendliest Village.” Visitors will experience authentic culture here thanks to a vibrant Garifuna culture which blends influences from both Africans and Caribbean Indians to form its distinct language, music, food, and dance traditions with those already residing there, creating a distinctive heritage that thrives today.
Find out more about the Garifuna at one of the area’s cultural centers. The Garifuna Museum at the mouth of Hopkins River provides an in-depth history lesson, while Driftwood Restaurant provides weekly shows showcasing Garifuna music, singing, and dancing performances. In addition, Lebeha Drummers provides drumming lessons to guests interested in experiencing more about this vibrant culture.
If you want a taste of Garifuna cuisine, there are a variety of restaurants offering traditional Garifuna fare. Some offer high-end dining experiences while others are family-run and provide more laid-back atmospheres – no matter where you decide to dine you can rest assured you’ll experience delectable cuisine prepared lovingly by locals!
As you stroll the streets of Hopkins, you will come across gift shops offering locally crafted arts and crafts. Souvenirs available here range from gorgeous handmade bowls carved from Belizean hardwoods to coconut beadwork jewelry; there are also slate carvings, colorful paintings, and handmade Garifuna dolls as well.
To add a bit of thrill and adventure to their visit, the Mayflower Bocawina National Park provides several tours that provide outdoor adventure. These tours include hiking and rappelling through the jungle canopy for unparalleled wildlife encounters in Belize as well as Hopkins’ striking natural surroundings that make this region so special.
