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Warasa Garifuna Drum School: Experience Authentic Garifuna Culture

Experience the vibrant Garifuna culture through drumming, dancing, and traditional crafts at Warasa Garifuna Drum School in Punta Gorda, Belize.

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Immerse yourself in the vibrant Garifuna culture at Warasa Garifuna Drum School in Punta Gorda, Belize. Founded in 2010 by Ronald Raymond McDonald (Ray), a former drummer, dancer, and singer for the Belize National Dance Company, the school offers interactive lessons in traditional drumming, dancing, and drum-making. Experience the rich history and culture of the Garifuna people through hands-on activities and performances.

A brief summary to Warasa Garifuna Drum School

  • New Road, St Vincent Garinagu Estate, Punta Gorda, BZ
  • +501632-7701
  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Book in advance to ensure availability for lessons and performances, especially during peak season.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for drumming and dancing.
  • Ask about the cultural significance of the different drum rhythms and dances to deepen your understanding.
  • Consider trying a traditional Garifuna meal like hudut for a complete cultural experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Warasa Garifuna Drum School is located in the St Vincent Garinagu Estate, a short distance from the center of Punta Gorda. From the Central Park area, head east on Front Street towards the seaside. Continue onto Jose Maria Nuñez Street, then turn left onto New Road. The drum school will be on your left, a roughly 20-minute walk.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Punta Gorda, particularly around the Central Park area. A taxi ride from the center of town to Warasa Garifuna Drum School is a quick and convenient option. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A typical short trip within Punta Gorda costs around BZ$6 (US$3).

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Discover more about Warasa Garifuna Drum School

Warasa Garifuna Drum School, located in the St Vincent Garinagu Estate of Punta Gorda, is dedicated to sharing and preserving the Garifuna culture through immersive experiences. Founded in 2010 by Ronald Raymond McDonald, also known as Ray, and his wife Ruth, the school has grown from borrowed drums and a rented house to a beautiful thatch palapa with over 20 drums. Ray, drawing from his experience as a drummer, dancer, and singer with the Belize National Dance Company, offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about Garifuna traditions through interactive lessons and performances. The Garifuna people, descendants of Carib Indians and West Africans, arrived in Belize in the early 19th century, settling along the southeastern coast. Their vibrant culture, recognized by UNESCO, is expressed through music, dance, and storytelling. At Warasa, visitors can participate in drumming lessons, learning traditional rhythms like Paranda, Punta, Chumba, Hungu-Hungu, and Gunjei. Dance lessons provide insight into the different dance moves for men and women, accompanied by the sounds of the seguna bass drum. For a hands-on experience, drum-making lessons teach the basics of crafting a Garifuna drum using traditional methods. Warasa Garifuna Drum School welcomes guests of all ages and backgrounds, from novice to seasoned percussionists. The school also offers cooking lessons, where visitors can learn to prepare traditional Garifuna dishes like conch fritters or hudut (fish fillet sauteed in coconut milk with mashed plantain). A traditional group performance showcases the music, dance, and storytelling traditions of the Garifuna people. The McDonald family, including Ray's father Mario and brother Ivan, create a warm and welcoming environment for all who visit.

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