CULTURE
The small population of Belize
is culturally diverse. This multiplicity of ethnicities, languages,
religions, modes of dress, cuisines, styles of music, and folklore
reflects the cultural mix. There are many ethnically distinct
communities, but people of different groups also mix in many social
contexts: at work, in schools, and in the political parties that
are not ethnically based. Though prejudices exist, there is no
history of interethnic violence in Belize.
The social class of the people—whether
they are poor or middle class—affects whether they will
have such amenities as a car or television and influences as well
whether their children will complete secondary school. Belizeans
who have television watch mostly foreign programs, such as Mexican
soap operas and North American sports; and the music they listen
to largely reflects the traditions of their ethnic group, though
recorded music from the Caribbean and United States is widely
enjoyed by young people. One hybrid musical form, “punta
rock,” seems to blend Caribbean soca, calypso, and reggae
styles with merengue, salsa, and hip-hop. Also popular are the
traditional sounds of brukdown—the tapping of assorted bottles,
tables, cans, or other objects—an energetic percussion that
originated in the logging camps.
Food also reflects ethnicity
and international influences, but corn tortillas and rice and
beans are widespread staples. Other assorted fare may include
Jamaican stews and jerks, Mexican-style chilies, or English roasts.
One of the special “national dishes” is the tailless
gibnut (Agouti paca; a relative of the guinea pig), called the
“Royal Rat” on many Belizean restaurant menus because
the British press had objected to its being served to Elizabeth
II in 1985. Locally produced rum, beer, and chicha (a fermented
corn drink) are common, as are soft drinks.
