Garifuna Settlement Day for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Saturday, November 19th. There are until the next observance.

Every year on November 19, Belize celebrates Garifuna Settlement Day. The anniversary recalls the historical migration of the Garifuna tribes into Belizean territory after being driven by the British administration from the Grenadines islands. Today, we celebrate the tribe’s absorption into Central American culture and appreciate their contributions to their new home. Every year, the country celebrates with parades and public rallies with street music, Belizean food vendors, and traditional dance. Join us as we share everything we know about it with you.

📆 When is Garifuna Settlement Day?

This year, Garifuna Settlement Day is on November 19th. It is the 3rd Saturday in November; in 2023, it is on Sunday.

Countdown to Garifuna Settlement Day

Did you know: The Garifuna are America’s only black tribe that was not enslaved by colonial forces.

You can also discover all interesting things you didn’t know about and facts about November 19, 2022.

📜 History of Garifuna Settlement Day

The tribe settled throughout the country’s west and south, forming villages that survived for the next two centuries. The stories of the Garifuna colony have been passed down through the years. With this tribute, Belize honors its people’s free spirit and distinct culture. The day was first recognized publicly in Belize in 1941, when civil rights leader Thomas Vincent Ramos launched a campaign to celebrate the Garifuna people of Belize. Decades later, the government established Garifuna Settlement Day as an annual national holiday.

On November 19, the colors yellow, black, and white take over the country as people demonstrate their joy and respect for the Garifuna people. The day starts with ceremonial boat rides to Maya Island. Then, people dressed in traditional Garifuna clothes watch carnival parades.

☑️ Garifuna Settlement Day facts

They are Catholics, too
The majority of Garifuna people identify as Catholics with African and Indian beliefs.

They have unique food habits
Traditional Garifuna foods include fish, bananas, plantains, poultry, and their distinctive cassava bread.

They have their own flag
The Garifuna people fly their own flag, which has three horizontal stripes of black, white, and yellow.

Things to do on Garifuna Settlement Day

Learn the history
The Garifuna Settlement is the consequence of the Treaty of Paris, which is linked to countless other events in world history. Mark your calendars for November 19, and dig into the history of Central America between European and American intermissions.

Plan a trip to Belize
Soak in the Belizean sunlight with an epic rainforest trek, beautiful jungle safaris, and the remarkable hospitality of the Belizean people. Let’s get started!

Watch “The Garifuna Journey”
“The Garifuna Journey” is an in-depth documentary that provides aboriginal populations a voice. It also includes information on the Garifuna people and is a fantastic learning experience for anybody interested in the history of the islands.

📅 Garifuna Settlement Day Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2023 November 19 Sunday
2024 November 19 Tuesday
2025 November 19 Wednesday
2026 November 19 Thursday
2027 November 19 Friday

View all November holidays, including Cultural and other Appreciation holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about Garifuna Settlement Day. So be sure to check back soon.