Dangriga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dangriga
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| Dangriga Town | |
Dangriga
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| Nicknames:
Griga (Dang), The Culture Capital
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 Dangriga
Location in Belize
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| Country |  Belize |
| District | Stann Creek |
| Constituency | Dangriga |
| Founded | 1802 |
| Elevation | sea level m (0 ft) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 9,593 |
| • Estimate
(2016)
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10,217 |
| Demonym(s) | Dangrigan |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central) |
| Climate | Am |
| Website | Official Website: https://web.archive.org/web/20070325151246/http://www.dangrigalive.bz/ |
Dangriga, once known as Stann Creek Town, is a lively town in southern Belize. It sits right on the Caribbean coast. This town is the main city of the Stann Creek District. You can fly into Dangriga using the Dangriga Airport. Many people call Dangriga the "culture capital of Belize." This is because of its strong connection to Garifuna culture and music like punta. It's the biggest town in southern Belize.
Contents
History of Dangriga
When Was Dangriga Founded?
Dangriga became an official town on February 15, 1895. But people, mainly the Garinagu (also called Black Caribs), settled here much earlier. They came from Honduras before 1832.
How Dangriga Grew
For many years, Dangriga was the second largest town in Belize. Only Belize City was bigger. However, in recent times, other towns have grown larger. These include San Ignacio, Belmopan, and Orange Walk Town.
The Name Dangriga
Since the early 1980s, Garifuna culture has become more popular. As part of this, the town's Garifuna name, Dangriga, became widely used. This name means "standing waters." It was first adopted around 1975.
People of Dangriga
Who Lives in Dangriga?
The people of Dangriga are a mix of different groups. Most are Garinagu, Kriols, and Mestizos.
Dangriga's Population in 2010
According to the Statistical Institute of Belize, Dangriga had 8,767 people in 2010. There were 4,302 males and 4,465 females.
Culture in Dangriga
The Garifuna People
Dangriga is home to the Garifuna people. They are a unique cultural group. Their ancestors were enslaved people who survived shipwrecks. They mixed with native Carib people. The Garifuna adopted the Carib language. However, they kept their African music and religious traditions. They also played a big part in the history of the Catholic church and Catholic education in Belize.
Punta Rock Music
Dangriga is also where a type of Caribbean music called Punta Rock began. You can find some of Belize's traditional bands here.
Garifuna Settlement Day
Every November, there is a week-long celebration. It leads up to Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19. Garifuna people from all over the region come to celebrate. The festivities include:
- A torchlit parade.
- A ceremony to honor Thomas Vincent Ramos. He was a patriot and social activist.
- The selection of Miss Garifuna.
- Other parades and special church services.
- The T.V. Ramos Classic Bike Race.
Places to Visit in Dangriga
Nature and Ruins
- Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary: This amazing place is southwest of Dangriga. It's a great spot for nature lovers.
- Mayflower Archeological Reserve: Here you can explore three ancient ruins. There are also two beautiful waterfalls. You can see views of Hopkins village and the Caribbean Sea.
Island Access
- Dangriga is a starting point to reach popular small islands. These include Tobacco Caye and Royal Belize.
Healthcare in Dangriga
The town has a hospital called Southern Regional Hospital. It provides medical care to the community.
Famous People from Dangriga
- Arlie Petters: A talented mathematician and astrophysicist.
- Pen Cayetano: An artist and musician. He created Punta Rock music.
- Maxime Faget: A designer who worked on the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle spacecraft.
- T. V. Ramos: A Garifuna civil rights activist.
- Osmond P. Martin: The first Catholic bishop who was born in Belize.
- Rakeem Nuñez-Roches: An American football player for the New York Giants.
Images for kids
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Dangriga main street
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Garifuna Gulisi Museum
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"Drums of Our Fathers" Monument
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Dangriga, Belize Streets of Dangriga
See also
In Spanish: Dangriga para niños
