Mayan are the descendants of the Mayan Civilization that flourished in Central America more than a thousand years ago. It is felt that most of the present Mayan population immigrated to Belize during the 1800. Most of the Mayan population is located in Southern Belize in three distinctly different groups. Mayan account for about 13 percent of the total population. The customs traditions of Belize are strongly influenced by the Mayan in these areas.
The Mestizos immigrated to Belize from the Yucatan during the Caste Wars of the mid 1800. They make up about 40 percent of the population and live on the Northern Islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker as well as the Orange walk and Corosal districts. Their common language is Spanish at home but use English on the streets and in Business. Mestizo food is a favorite of visitors and locals alike.
The Garifuna make up another large portion of the population that lives mostly along the Southern Coast. According to the government they make up about 7 percent of the population. Descendants of slaves and Indians that immigrated to this area in the early 1800’s On November 19th of each year Garifuna Settlement Day is celebrated across the country. Know for their very distinct cuisine and art they make a special contribution to the customs traditions in Belize.
More recent immigrations to Belize include the Mennonites who came from Mexico in the early 1960’s and established their traditional agrarian communities in the Orange Walk and Cayo districts. Much of Belize’s agriculture products come from these closed tight knit communities. In addition there are distinct Chinese and Arab communities located in San Jose. All of which adds to the spice and variety of the customs traditions in Belize.
Belize is the only English speaking country in Central and South America. Since the early 1800’s Belize was part of the British Common Wealth. In the past Belize was part of a long standing dispute with the Guatemala who claimed that Belize was part of that country.
With the help of Britain and the United Nations Belize became an independent nation on September 21, 1981. Belize can truly be described as a melting pot of customs traditions in Belize.
The true history of Belize of course goes much further back to the Mayan civilization. Customs traditions in Belize are a meld of many influences. Although English is spoken in Belize, the Creole dialect is spoken throughout the nation. The Creoles make up approximately 30 percent of the country and are descendants of slaves and Europeans