By Aaron Humes: The 20th session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in New Delhi, India, has inscribed Belize’s “Krismos Bram and Sambai” of Gales Point Manatee Village, Belize District, to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The tradition was examined rather early in the morning, between 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Belize time. Belize is represented by a delegation from the Institute for Social and Cultural Research, the National Kriol Council, and cultural leaders from Gales Point Village.
On the UNESCO website, the inscription states, “Deeply rooted in African heritage, these festivities promote unity and a shared sense of identity within the practicing community… The celebrations strengthen community bonds and cultural identity. They also connect the past with the present and help mitigate risks associated with development and globalization.”
Elements of the activity include call-and-response style singing and dancing from house to house, featuring drumming with the gombay and sambai drums. Hosts offer food and drinks to the traveling group, going south starting on Christmas and continuing on Boxing Day in reverse order. The associated Sambai dance, once associated with crop planting and courtship, takes place after dark around a bonfire and featuring both traditional and modern songs addressing social issues, finishing with a circle dance symbolizing peace and unity. Men typically lead drumming and instrument making while women transmit songs and dances and raise awareness about the tradition.
It is the second such inscription for Belize by UNESCO, following 2008’s designation of the language, culture and music of the Garifuna people. Belize’s Barrier Reef System is also designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, established in 1996.
Speaking at the event, Director of the Institute for Social and Cultural Research (ISCR) of the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) Rolando Cocom remarked that “We are confident that the people of Gales Point and the many practitioners, knowledge bearers, and advocates involved will see this as a meaningful step forward: one that strengthens their efforts to safeguard their values, knowledge, and skills. For Belize, this moment is also a reflection of our strong and ongoing commitment under the 2003 Convention.”
Belize’s delegation was led by Arreini Palacio-Morgan, UNESCO Secretary General, National Commission of Belize and Rolando Cocom, supported by April Martinez, Living Heritage Officer, ISCR-NICH; Selene Solis, National Kriol Council; Emith Young, Master Drummer, Gales Point Village; and Sharlene Andrewin, Master Dancer, Gales Point Village.
The delegates of the UNESCO Meeting were then treated with a short demonstration of the Krismos Bram and Sambai, presented by Young and Andrewin.
The post UNESCO lists Gales Point Christmas Bram/Sambai as part of ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Aaron Humes: The 20th session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in New Delhi, India, has inscribed Belize’s “Krismos Bram and Sambai” of Gales Point Manatee Village, Belize District, to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The tradition was examined rather early in the morning,
The post UNESCO lists Gales Point Christmas Bram/Sambai as part of ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
