Gales Point’s Bram and Sambai Earn UNESCO Nomination

The vibrant Christmas Bram and Sambai tradition of Gales Point Village has reached a historic milestone, it’s now nominated for inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This centuries-old celebration, brought to the peninsula by ancestors, is a lively mix of rhythmic drumming, call-and-response folk songs, and spirited dancing that brings the community together in joy and cultural pride. Once reserved for adults behind closed doors, Bram and Sambai have evolved into a cherished symbol of identity and resilience. Tonight, a Belizean delegation is in India, where the decision on this nomination is expected on Tuesday. Ahead of that announcement, here’s a brief look at this cultural treasure, courtesy of the National Institute of Culture and History.

 

Shermadine Andrewin, Principal, Gales Point Government School

“Growing up, I didn’t think of it as a child, because you were not allowed to be in the Bramming or at the Sambai. So, I don’t think it was important. But growing up after I was taught about it, I learnt on my own. So  I decide I need to be a part of it because it was part of my community and a part of our culture. About around the age of fifteen I was allowed to partake in the bramming because it was done in  house. So I was partaking in it and allowed to jump in the Sambai at night.”

 

Emmett Young, Master Drummer

“When slavery and everything abolished and they move to the Peninsula they brought that tradition here. So they moved from the tip of the Peninsula all the way to the top of the village from house to house and jump sing and dance and eat and drink and the songs they are call and respond, traditional folks song that people bring from our ancestors from way back.”