Dangriga

Dangriga
Town
Dangriga Town

Dangriga Aerial
Nickname(s): Griga (Dang), The Culture Capital
Dangriga
Coordinates: 16°58′N 88°13′W / 16.967°N 88.217°W / 16.967; -88.217
Country  Belize
District Stann Creek
Constituency Dangriga
Founded 1802
Government
  Mayor Francis Humphreys (UDP)
Elevation sea level m (0 ft)
Population (2009)
  Total 9,026
  census
Demonym(s) Dangrigan
Time zone Central (UTC-6)
Climate Am
Website Official Website

Dangriga, formerly known as Stann Creek Town, is a town in southern Belize, located on the Caribbean coast at the mouth of the North Stann Creek River. It is the capital of Belize's Stann Creek District. Dangriga is served by the Dangriga Airport. Commonly known as the "culture capital of Belize" due to its influence on punta music and other forms of Garifuna culture, Dangriga is the largest settlement in southern Belize.[1]

History

Dangriga was settled before 1832 by Garinagu (Black Caribs, as they were known to the British) from Honduras. For years it was the second largest population centre in the country behind Belize City, but in recent years has been surpassed by San Ignacio, Belmopan and Orange Walk Town. Since the early 1980s Garífuna culture has undergone a revival, as part of which the town's name of Dangriga, a Garífuna word meaning "standing waters", became more widely used (but was initially adopted around 1975).[2]

Demographics

The population is mostly a mixture of Garinagu, Kriols and Mestizos. According to the Statistical Institute of Belize, Dangriga's population in 2010 was 8,767 – 4,302 males and 4,465 females.[3]

Culture

Dangriga is home to the Garifuna, a cultural and ethnic group, descendants of shipwrecked slaves and native Caribs. The Garifuna have adopted the Carib language but kept their African musical and religious traditions, while holding a central place in the history of the Catholic church and Catholic education in Belize. Dangriga is also where the Caribbean music, Punta Rock, originated and where some of Belize's folk bands can be found.

In November each year there is a week-long festivity leading up to Garifuna Settlement Day, attended by Garifuna people from around the region. It includes a torchlit parade and wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of the patriot and social activist Thomas Vincent Ramos, selection of Miss Garifuna, parades and special church services, and The T.V. Ramos Classic Bike Race.

The 19th of November is Garifuna Settlement Day.[4][5]

Attractions

Healthcare

The city is served by Southern Regional Hospital.

Notable residents

References

  1. Stann Creek Belize - Home Of Culture Capital Dangriga, Belize.com. (accessed 21 June 2015)
  2. http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-780130-dangriga_dangriga-i
  3. "Statistics 2010". Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  4. Harry S. Pariser (1998). Explore Belize. Harry S. Pariser. p. 279. ISBN 1-55650-785-2.
  5. "Celebrating Garifuna Day". San Pedro Sun. Retrieved 2010-02-07.


External links

Gallery

Coordinates: 16°58′N 88°13′W / 16.967°N 88.217°W / 16.967; -88.217

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Sunday, January 03, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.