Dangriga

Dangriga, formerly known as Stann Creek Town, is a town in southern Belize. It sits right on the Caribbean coast where the North Stann Creek River meets the sea. Dangriga is the capital of Belize's Stann Creek District and has its own small airport called the Dangriga Airport.

The town is famous for being the "culture capital of Belize." This is because it plays a big role in creating and sharing punta music and other traditions of the Garifuna people. The Garifuna have a rich cultural history, and Dangriga is the largest place in southern Belize where their customs and music shine brightly.

History

Dangriga became a town on February 15, 1895. People called Garinagu, also known as Black Caribs, settled there before 1832, coming from Honduras. For many years, it was the second biggest place to live in the country, just behind Belize City. But now, it is smaller than San Ignacio, Belmopan, and Orange Walk Town. Since the early 1980s, people have been celebrating Garífuna culture more. The town's name, Dangriga, means "standing waters" in the Garífuna language, and it started being used more around 1975.

Demographics

Dangriga has a diverse population, mainly made up of Garinagu, Kriols, and Mestizos. In 2010, the town had a population of 8,767 people, with 4,302 males and 4,465 females.

Culture

Dangriga is home to the Garifuna people, a special group whose ancestors were shipwrecked captives and native Caribs. The Garifuna mix Carib language with African music and religious traditions, and they have helped shape the history of the Catholic church and Catholic education in Belize. Dangriga is also the birthplace of the Caribbean music style called Punta Rock, and you can find some of Belize's folk bands there.

Every November, people celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day with a week of fun activities. There are parades, special church services, a bike race called The T.V. Ramos Classic, and even a Miss Garifuna contest. The big day is on November 19.

Attractions

Dangriga has some wonderful places to visit nearby. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is located southwest of the town. Another great spot is the Mayflower Archeological Reserve, which includes three ancient ruins, two waterfalls, and beautiful views of Hopkins village and the Caribbean Sea.

The town is also a great place to start trips to nearby islands, called cays, such as Tobacco Caye and Royal Belize. These spots are popular for visitors exploring Southern Belize.

Healthcare

Dangriga has a hospital called Southern Regional Hospital to help people stay healthy.

Notable residents

Dangriga has been home to many interesting people. Arlie Petters is a mathematician and astrophysicist. Pen Cayetano is an artist and musician living in Germany who created Punta Rock. Maxime Faget helped design important spacecraft like the Mercury capsule. T. V. Ramos was a civil rights activist for the Garifuna people. Osmond P. Martin was the first native Belizean Catholic bishop. Rakeem Nuñez-Roches plays American football for the New York Giants.