Garifuna Dance Group to Perform at U.S. Black History Month Event

 A group of Garifuna dancers called, Uwarani – which means “togetherness” departed Belize today en route to Galveston, Texas, where they will be participating in a cultural exchange. This event is part of the festivities to commemorate Black History Month in the United States. The trip was coordinated by the Mayor of Dangriga Town, Robert Mariano, and the Interim President of the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), Merilyn Young. Mariano says this is an opportunity for the group to represent Belize on an international stage and attract people from abroad to travel to Belize so they can experience the culture more in-depth. Young says that this is part of NICH’s mandate to preserve Belize’s cultural and ethnic groups.

Love News caught up with the group this afternoon at the Philip Goldson International Airport before they left. One of the dancers, Clarene Castillo, says this will be her first time travelling outside of Belize, but she is ready to represent her country. And, group leader, Margaret Castillo, says the group has been practising diligently for this event.

The group will be performing signature cultural dances such as Punta, Paranda, and Junkanoo.