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Anyone been to the festival in Dangriga celebrating Garifuna Settlement Days. We have tickets (good price)and a place to stay Jungle Huts. We plan on a big party, taking lots of pictures and video. Anyone have any experience at the festival?

Dangriga is a great little town and rough hewn. Just the way I like it. The Garifuna are a fun loving people and they love their party. You'll have a great time and there will be lots of people to talk to. Everyone is friendly. Never been to Jungle Huts. But I am sure that'l be fine too. Keep a weather eye for Francis Ford Coppola, who likes the area and all the things that go on in it.

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Also, the food is pretty good.

Just joined the forums here and saw your post. Maybe you're already headed that way, but I wanted to throw in my two cents, even if it's a bit late.

I lived in Hopkins, Belize for about a year, which is 30 minutes south of Dangriga. It's a little village and they've been known to throw some great parties for Settlement Day. Dangriga will be crazier and definitely fun, but if you can ask around when you're there you might find that someone in Hopkins has planned a big bash. Even if you don't go there for Settlement Day night, it's worth checking out before or after - I'm definitely more a fan of the Hopkins pace of life. But regardless of where you are, drink some One Barrel or Bitters, listen to some drumming, and party it up until dawn.

Hey Disco Steve. I'd like to know about life in Hopkins. Tell us more dude! Welcome to the scrum!

I've been to Dangriga a number of times, and Placencia. Never got off the bus at Hopkins for some reason. Though the walk ain't that bad.

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I spent a night in Dangriga this past May, as it was the annual town festival/fair. It went all day, was right on the beach, and a lot of fun. There were local and more prominent musical acts. Everyone had bicycles. Kids were playing soccer on the small beach. A few kids were riding horses. The setting was wonderful, people of all ages were having fun. Locals were selling food in stalls. I have to admit though, I did get a feel for what it's like to be a racial minority - there weren't many gringo's around!

Hey Piecar - somehow I missed your post from a while back and just saw it tonight. I figure better late than never...

Hopkins is great. It's an extremely laid back village with not much to do, so if that's your thing, you'd love it. You can hang out at King Cassava's on the corner to grab a beer, good food, and ask there to find out what's going on in the village. There are usually some great bashes on the weekend, but where they are will vary constantly. There are some good restaurants scattered throughout town with great food and some that will cook you up an amazing Garifuna dish if you order it the day before. There are a couple of spots with pool tables and that always makes for a good evening activity.

It's not the nicest stretch of beach in Belize by any means, but there are some great spots a short walk north or south on the beach. There are a few resorts about a mile south of town and if diving is your's thing they lead some great dives from there. A lot of Hopkins folk work at the resorts. It's good entertainment to watch the tourists staying there roll up to Hopkins in their resort minivan, get out at a bar for a couple of hours, and then hop back in their van to go back to the resort.

I could go on and on, but let me know if you're ever thinking about stopping by there and I'll be happy to tell you more.