Dangriga | |
|---|---|
| Dangriga Town | |
 Dangriga | |
 Flag | |
| Nicknames: Griga (Dang),The Culture Capital | |
  Dangriga | |
| Coordinates:16°58′N88°13′W / 16.967°N 88.217°W /16.967; -88.217 | |
| Country |  Belize |
| District | Stann Creek |
| Constituency | Dangriga |
| Founded | 1802 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Robert Mariano(PUP) |
| Elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Population (2010)[1] | |
• Total | 9,593 |
| 10,217 | |
| Demonym | Dangrigan |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central) |
| Climate | Am |
| Website | Official Website |
Dangriga, formerly known asStann Creek Town, is atown in southernBelize, located on theCaribbean coast at the mouth of the North Stann Creek River. It is the capital of Belize'sStann Creek District. Dangriga is served by theDangriga Airport. Commonly known as the "culture capital of Belize" due to its influence onpunta music and other forms ofGarifuna culture, Dangriga is the largest settlement in southern Belize.[4]
Dangriga, declared a town 15 February 1895, was settled before 1832 byGarinagu (Black Caribs, as they were known to the British) fromHonduras. For years, it was the second largest population centre in the country behindBelize City, but in recent years has been surpassed bySan Ignacio,Belmopan andOrange Walk Town. Since the early 1980s, Garífuna culture has undergone a revival, as part of which the town's name of Dangriga, a Garífuna word meaning "standing waters", became more widely used (but was initially adopted around 1975).[5]
The population is mostly a mixture ofGarinagu,Kriols andMestizos. According to the Statistical Institute of Belize, Dangriga's population in 2010 was 8,767 – 4,302 males and 4,465 females.[6]
Dangriga is home to theGarifuna, a cultural and ethnic group, descendants of shipwrecked captives and native Caribs. The Garifuna have adopted the Carib language but kept theirAfrican musical and religious traditions, while holding a central place in the history of theCatholic church andCatholic education in Belize. Dangriga is also where the Caribbean music,Punta Rock, originated and where some of Belize's folk bands can be found.
In November, each year, there is a week-long festivity leading up to Garifuna Settlement Day, attended by Garifuna people from around the region. It includes a torchlit parade and wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of the patriot and social activistThomas Vincent Ramos, selection of Miss Garifuna, parades and special church services, and The T.V. Ramos Classic Bike Race.
The 19 November isGarifuna Settlement Day.[7][8]
The city is served bySouthern Regional Hospital.
16°58′N88°13′W / 16.967°N 88.217°W /16.967; -88.217
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