| Dangriga
is the center of Garifuna culture ....
A population of around 10,000 makes Dangriga, in the Stann
Creek District, the largest town in Southern Belize. Dangriga
is home to the garifuna (ga-RIF-una), a unique cultural
and ethnic group, decedents of shipwrecked slaves and native
Caribs. The Garifuna have adopted the Carib language but
have kept their African musical and religious traditions.
Dangriga is becoming increasingly popular as destination
to see and experience Garifuna life. It is also where the
Caribbean music, Punta Rock, originated and where some of
Belize's best folk bands can be found. There is an active
nightlife, where local bands can often be heard as well
as a a number of small restaurants to sample Garifuna fare.
Dangriga is well known for its cassava, made into cassava bread, and for cashew
wine, as well as fish cooked in coconut milk, with a side of mashed plantain - a tastey dish called hudut.
 Easiest way to know Dangriga
is to visit them during Settlement Days. The town
explodes with dancing, drinking, colorful costumes and the
celebration of Garifuna heritage. Experience all night drumming
and a pre-dawn hour re-enactment of their arrival to Belize. Nov
16-19.
Things to Do ....
From Dangriga you can choose between water and
land routes to visit
the nearby fishing villages of Hopkins
& Sittee River or travel inland to the
Cockscomb
Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.
 Mayflower Archeological Reserve lies between Dangriga
and the Cockscomb Basin. The post-classic site consists
of three ruins, two sizable waterfalls and a picturesque
view of Hopkins village and the Caribbean.
Red Bank is the best place to see Scarlet Macaws
in the wild. Best time to see them is during their migration
months, January - March.
Getting There ....
Private Vehicle
Drive the scenic Hummingbird Highway from Belmopan or take the unpaved Coastal Highway from Belize
City, which links up with the Hummingbird Highway near
Dangriga.
The drive from Belize City, via the Western, Coastal and
then Hummingbird Highways, takes about 1 1/2- 2 hours to
cover the 75 miles. From Belmopan it's a picturesque 57
miles on a paved road.
By Bus
Public buses link Belmopan
with Dangriga by way of the Hummingbird Highway with regularly
scheduled departures.
By Air
Regular scheduled domestic flights with Tropic Air and Maya Airways.
Visit Belize as part of Rainforest, Ruins & Reef Vacation Package
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