Social Responsibility
Battle of the Drums
In an effort to give back to the community, Darius Avila of Beya Suites, and his mom, conceptualized the Battle of the Drums Initiative. The Battle of the Drums is an international Garifuna drumming competition and show that allows groups from Belize, Guatemala and Honduras to compete and display their musical artistry in playing five (5) different categories of Garifuna drumming. The first Battle of the Drums was held in Punta Gorda Town on November 17, 2006 and was well received by spectators from home and abroad. The Battle of the Drums is held each year in Punta Gorda Town on the Saturday before the 19th day of November (Garifuna Settlement Day). This competition and show has become a major tourist attraction and a catalyst for significant economic activity in the Punta Gorda Area during the period when it is hosted.
Garifuna Culture Retrieval and Preservation
The proceeds from the show are used to invest in the Battle of the Drums Garifuna cultural retrieval and preservation Initiative. The initiative is undertaken under three distinct, strategic objectives:
01
Garifuna Language Retrieval and Preservation Program
The Garifuna Language Preservation Program, includes activities that are used to introduce and teach the Garifuna language to children. This is done mainly through the Garifuna Language in Schools program and annual summer camp activities.
02
Garifuna Drumming, Singing & Dance Preservation Program
The Garifuna Drumming, Singing & Dance Preservation Program, includes activities that are aimed to preserve and teach Garifuna drumming, music and dance, such as the annual High Schools Battle of the Drums.
03
Garifuna Community Support Program
The Battle of the Drums Community Support Program supports community initiatives that promote Garifuna cultural awareness, retrieval, and preservation.
Support the Battle of the Drums
Funds received are strictly used to pursue various cultural retrieval activities as outlined in the Battle of the Drums main programs. The activities are undertaken in Punta Gorda Town and other Garifuna communities as the funds allow.
