Sept. 12, 2010

 

100% garifuna

today we went to the garifuna festival in punta gorda

what a wonderful day

they usually have it on april 12 to commemorate their

anniversary in coming to roatan 

but they had it now and what a turn out they had.

it was so great!

usually they hold it under a small bandstand

that is packed with food vendors, dancers and drummers

but today they went on the beach opposite the church

and they had many tents set up with food to be tasted:

machuca, bbq pork, fresh whole fish, rice and beans,

refried beans and delicious cakes and cookies!

so delicious!

there also were alot of people selling things

i was happy to see that pedro's wife was there selling jewelry

i was happy to meet more of her children.

i bought a pair of earrings...of course!

and the dancing!!!

oh my goodness!

the garifuna know how to dance!

it thrills my soul to watch them in their colorful costumes

dancing to the earthy beat of the drum.

i have many photos which i am uploading to my other blog

i will link to that once i am finished there.

here you go! 

the girl in the previous photo is the little one in the purple dress

what a  way to spend an sunday afternoon

by the sea

with people who own the sand, the sea and the sky 

and dance like no one is watching!

April 12, 2010

garifuna festival

went to Punta Gorda today for the annual Garifuna celebration.
This is the 213th year since their arrival on Roatan.
it is so wonderful to see how they have maintained
their customs, culture, language and authentic cuisine over the years.
they have not be affected by the south american culture or the
north american culture.

we walked along side them
in the hot sun
as they  paraded through town,
along the shores of their tiny fishing village
and watched them re-enact
landing on the shores in  dug out canoes
we so enjoyed their dancing, singing, drumming and enthusiastic joy.

 they were dressed to the 'nines' for this momentous occasion
the colors were astoundingly beautiful!!!
i met my friend catherine there
she had her dress made in the capital of  tegucigalpa
it was specially designed for this event.
those are her 3 daughters on the front!

the sounds of their singing and the rhythmic beating
of the drums
brought tears to my eyes
as it reminded me of years ago when bob and i were in
africa.

they have such spirit
such determination
such joy.
so glad we made the trek over the other side of the island
to share it with them!