HONDURAS
COUNTRY #7
JONATHAN
About the Garifuna
The Garifuna, also known as the Black Caribs, are an Afro-Caribbean ethnic group with origins in the island of St. Vincent. In 1635, the British forcibly relocated the Garifuna to the island of Roatan, off the coast of Honduras. The Garifuna lived on Roatan for over a century before they were forcibly relocated once again, this time to the mainland of Honduras. Since then, the Garifuna have made their home in a number of villages along the Honduran coast. They are renowned for their skills in fishing and boat-building, and their music and dance traditions are popular throughout Central America. In spite of centuries of oppression, the Garifuna people have managed to preserve their unique identity. Today, they are an important part of Honduran society, and their contributions to the country’s culture are celebrated each year on Garifuna Settlement Day.
About Honduras
Honduras is a country located in Central America between Guatemala and Nicaragua. The nation has been subject to many changes in rule over the last few centuries. It was originally settled by a native group known as the Lencas. In the 16th century, the Lencas were conquered by the Spanish when they established a colony in the area. Honduras went on to gain independence from Spain in 1821 and became part of the Mexican Empire. This lasted until Mexico's defeat in the Mexican-American War when Honduras became part of the Central American Federation. The Federation was dissolved in 1838 and Honduras became an independent nation once again. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the country experienced a series of political upheavals and military coups. In 1969, Honduras was plunged into turmoil after a border dispute with El Salvador led to a brief war between the two countries. In recent years, Honduras has been plagued by high levels of crime and violence, including a military coup which ousted their democratically elected president in 2009. Despite these challenges, Honduras has made progress in recent years and is working to improve its economy and infrastructure.
TRAVELOGUE
Chapter 7: Honduras
While most visitors to the island of Roatán either arrive by cruise ship or stick to the white sand beaches of the West End, I ventured an hour east to the Garifuna village of Punta Gorda. It was here where I learned about their culture’s African roots and how the British slave trade brought them to the small seaside village that would become the island’s first permanent settlement.