Trujillo Culture

In 1796, The Garifuna people were driven off the island of San Vicente and taken by the British to the island of Roatan, part of the Honduran Bay Islands. Soon afterwards, a large part of the Garifunas were taken to the mainland. On April 12, 1797, approximately 5,000 Garifuna men. women, and children were put ashore on the coast of Trujillo.  Honduras is home to many indigenous people, from native Indian tribes to the more recent Garifuna. The Garifuna, who are also known as the Black Caribs or the Garinagu, are the descendants of Caribs Indians and Black African slaves.  The two peoples blended through marriage, creating the Garífuna culture—Caribbean fishing and farming traditions.

Their language, agriculture and religion are very similar to that of their Caribbean ancestors, while their dances, drum music and art bear a strong African influence, they have managed to preserve their way of life.  Whilst Garifuna people have been given tourist focus training, the Garifuna enclaves around sleepy towns like Trujillo, offer a far more organic, authentic experience.

The Garifuna people are wisely proud of their cultural accomplishments, they celebrate their own language, their specific craft skills and most of all their music and dance.  Garifuna music and dance (Punta) is lively, loud, vibrant and very, very communal. The music is very different from the other cultures within the Central American area and is reliant on re-call based drums.

Travelers looking to experience elements of present-day and traditional Garifuna culture in Honduras can consider visiting Garifuna communities in the Trujillo, Tela,  Bataya, La Ceiba areas.