New York City (January 20, 2025) — The Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc., proudly announces the17th Annual Garifuna–American Heritage Month in 2025, March 11, 2025 – April 11, 2025, a dedicated period to honor and celebrate Garifuna heritage, culture, and contribution.
Following are 5 Facts about Garifuna Heritage Month.
- What does Garifuna Heritage Month Celebrate?
Garifuna Heritage Month celebrates Garifuna Heritage, Culture and Garifuna Contributions to Society.
- When is Garifuna Heritage Month Celebrated?
Garifuna Heritage Month is celebrated annually in New York City from March 11th to April 12th, since 2008.
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- Why does Garifuna Heritage Month begin on March 11?
Like National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), Garifuna Heritage Month starts mid month because its timing coincides with important historical dates to the Garifuna Diaspora, such as the observance of the anniversary of the forcible displacement of the Garifuna People by the British from their Ancestral Homeland St Vincent “Yurumein” (presently known as St. Vincent and the Grenadines) on March 11th, 1797, and their settlement in Central America on April 12th, 1797.
- Why are the Dates of Garifuna Heritage Month Important?
The day of March 11 is significant because in 1797, two thousand two hundred forty eight (2,248) Garifuna Ancestors were loaded into 10 British ships in St. Vincent, on March 11, 1797 and embarked on a 33 days and 33 nights forced voyage across the Caribbean Ocean. Two hundred twenty two (222) Ancestors died during the voyage!
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March 14 commemorates the 230th anniversary of the death of Right Excellent Joseph Chatoyer Paramount Garifuna Chief in battle against the British in St. Vincent, on March 14, 1795.
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March 25 commemorates the 35th Anniversary of the tragic date, someone set fire to the Happy Land Social Club and committed the deadliest fire in New York City since the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which occurred on the same day in 1911. The majority of the victims were of Garifuna descent.
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The month concludes on April 12 in commemoration of the 228th anniversary of the Garifuna Arrival and Settlement in Central America. On April 12, 1797, two thousand twenty-six (2,026) Garifunas disembarked from the British ships, on the island of Roatan, Honduras.
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- How to Celebrate Garifuna Heritage Month?
Through many events and activities throughout the month, such as seminars, a Garifuna Gastronomy Festival, Garifuna concert etc., people gain a greater appreciation of Garifuna history and traditions, and of the role Garifuna-Americans have played, and will continue to play, in New York’s society.
People can use this celebration to show the importance of Garifunas in the U.S. by donating to Garifuna charities, learning about Garifuna history, culture and honoring influential Garifunas who have made an impact on society.
Happy Garifuna Heritage Month!
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