This country is a real gem in terms of cultural diversity within Central America. From the remnants of the Mayan empire, the indigenous people blended with a parade of different visitors including pirates, Brits and African slaves from the Caribbean Region.
Toss in the Garifuna people who settled the southern coast in the 19th century and a steady flow of Chinese, Indian and Mexican immigrants and you have got a genuine melting pot.
Perhaps one of the most predominant of Belize customs, the Mestizo people, were originally descended from a mix of Spanish and Mayan genetics. This is generally still so in most cases but there is no longer such a fine line about it.
Not all the mestizo living in the country today are part of the original Belize Culture, many current residents who are of this ethnic group are recent immigrants seeking refuge from civil turmoil in our neighboring Central American regions. The Mestizo people still hold tight to elements of both parent cultures such as their food and belief systems.
Lifestyle
Despite the unique mix, Belizeans tend to get along really fine. The country has a noticeably harmonious vibe and little proof of racism. Perhaps it’s an effect of living together in such a small (just about 300,000 citizens) and young nation, but the friendly mix of Afro-Caribbean and Latin culture is a joy to experience.
Belizeans do not offer much in the way of performing arts, but the Bliss Institute in Belize City is the best bet for theater, music or dance.
Mostly, the Belizean culture is about having fun. You will witness the purely unique Belize gambling sport of the Chicken Drop and summon get the idea. Best experienced on Ambergris Caye, it’s like literally shooting craps.
A chicken is released onto wire mesh suspended over a grid of numbers, and the one who poops first takes the trophy. Bets are made on the number of droppings and it holds a lot of fun.
Belizeans themselves are quiet and warm people! This is evidenced by the level of security and peace the country offers. You will likely stay for the entirety of your study period unbothered here!
There is no need to contemplate about studying here. The country lives up to its fame! Make your application today with RocApplyand get started to roll with everyone else here. While English is still the official language of Belize, Spanish is the first language of the majority.
Creole cuisine has an Afro-Caribbean vibe to it in Belize. Lots of seafood cooked in coconut milk and rice with root vegetables like sweet potatoes, yams, and cassava as the main dish. The closest thing to a national Belizean meal is referred to as the bile up.
Not as disgusting as it appears when you account for the fact that “bile up” implies “boil up”. It’s a plate of boiled eggs, with fish or pigtail coupled with root vegetables in a tomato sauce. Most local eating spots in the country will serve a variation of this dish.
" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada
