Belize Celebrates UNESCO Recognition of Krismos Bram and Sambai

Belize just made history on the global cultural stage. Two of our most treasured Creole traditions, Krismos Bram and Sambai, are now officially recognized by UNESCO as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage. That announcement came today in New Delhi, India, where a proud Belizean delegation is waving the flag for our culture. It’s a moment that celebrates who we are and what we’ve preserved for generations. So, what does this recognition mean for Belize and for these traditions? News Five’s Paul Lopez has the story.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

In Gales Point Manatee, Christmas is more than a holiday, it’s a living tradition. For centuries, the Creole community has celebrated Krismos Bram, a lively procession of music, dance, and storytelling.  People march from house to house on Christmas and Boxing Day. And then there’s the Sambai, a vibrant circle dance around a bonfire that keeps generations connected through rhythm and tradition.

 

Emmeth Young, Master Drummer, Gales Point Village

“The Krismos Bram is very unique to Gales Point, because it is a time when the people come together to celebrate. They go from house to house and we share food and drinks and drum and dance and sing. So it is very important in our culture and it evolved from the slave people that use to settle in my village which is Maroon settlement of Belize.”

 

Sharlene Andrewin, Master Dancer, Gales Point Village

“We carry on the tradition and only dah Gales Point you will find the real thing, like the real braming and Sambai, live, today. Christmas day and Boxing Day in Gales Point Manatee we go from the beginning to the end and the next day from the end to the beginning and just the dance through the streets like a parade.”

 

These practices date back to the 1700s, rooted in the resilience of enslaved Africans who transformed hardship into cultural expression. Today, that heritage gained global recognition. UNESCO officially inscribed Krismos Bram and Sambai on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. A Belizean delegation, including cultural leaders and officials, is in New Delhi for the announcement.

 

Rolando Cocom, Director, NICH

“After more than ten years of working with communities in the partnership that UNESCO provides, today Belize has nominated its second rich tradition of its African descendant communities, Krismos Bram and Sambai to the UNESCO Representative List. Today is truly a remarkable day for communities to enjoy and celebrate the shared cultures we have in Belize.”

 

The inscription means more than prestige or global recognition. It strengthens efforts to preserve these traditions, engage young people, and keep the spirit of Bram and Sambai alive for generations to come.

 

Selene Solis, National Kriol Council

“This is an importance of real national pride. It elevates the visibility of this cultural event and activity. It brings visibility to a small community that is not often made to feel like they have value or contribution. So, here we are at the national level and international level saying that there is value in our cultural heritage at the community level, at the village level.”

 

Congratulatory messages poured in from across the country in recognition of this global cultural achievement. A group of villagers in Gales Point gathered at the break of dawn for a watch party as the announcement was being made in India. UDP Leader Tracy Panton also acknowledged the achievement, while recognizing Kriol Kolcha Icon and Ambassador, the late Myrna Manzanarez.

 

Tracy Panton, Leader, United Democratic Party

“This morning the United Democratic Party pays special tribute to our sister Myrna Manzanares and Myrna’s mom, Iris Abraham, who spent their lives promoting and advocating for this tradition to be permanently edged into our hearts and the cultural record of our humanity. The UDP takes this opportunity to salute all those who have been involved in the work to ensure this designation.”

 

Krismos Bram and Sambai join Garifuna language, music, and dance as part of Belize’s UNESCO-recognized heritage. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.