The Battle of the Drums was born out of a passion to celebrate and preserve Garifuna music and culture. It all began over a decade ago in the town of Punta Gorda, Belize. This was not just an idea; it was a cultural call to action. In a world that’s changing fast, the Garifuna community needed a platform to bring together generations, teach our traditions, and showcase the incredible power of Garifuna drumming.
What started as a local competition among drummers has since grown into a nationally celebrated event, with drumming groups from all over Belize-and beyond-competing to display their mastery of traditional rhythms and drum beats. But this competition is more than just a contest of musical skill-it’s an act of cultural preservation. Every beat on those drums tells the story of our ancestors, of our struggles, our resilience, and our victories.