Retrieval & Preservation of the Culture
Retrieval & Preservation of the Culture
Battle of the Drums is a non-profit dedicated to the retrieval and preservation of Garifuna culture. We invest in language education, youth training in drumming, singing, and dance, and community cultural events so the next generation can learn, perform, and celebrate Garifuna heritage—with every dollar directed to measurable cultural impact.
Our events celebrate Garifuna culture through music, language, and movement—bringing communities together across Belize. From youth showcases to marquee stages, each gathering builds skills, pride, and a pipeline of new performers. Audiences don’t just watch; they learn, sing along, and feel the drumbeat that connects history to today. Every ticket sold helps sustain programs that keep the culture alive for the next generation.
Our year-round programmes pass on Garifuna language, drumming, singing, and dance to children and families across southern Belize. With your support, we teach in classrooms and after school, train young performers, and stage community activities. Together, we’re keeping the language alive and the drumbeat strong.
Battle of the Drums is a Belizean not-for-profit initiative created to retrieve and preserve Garifuna culture. It began in 2006 in Punta Gorda and was formalized as a not-for-profit in 2012. Proceeds are strictly used for cultural-retrieval programs in Punta Gorda and other Garifuna communities.
Three pillars drive our work: Garifuna Language Preservation, Drumming/Singing & Dance, and Community Support (including contests, summer programming, and November 19th activities). Proceeds from events and donations are used strictly for these cultural-retrieval activities.
Every year on the Saturday immediately before November 19 (Garifuna Settlement Day). It launched in 2006 and has grown into a major cultural and tourism draw for Punta Gorda.
Funds are reinvested into program delivery: classroom language instruction, after-school drumming/singing/dance, summer camp, school contests, High Schools BOTD, and November 19th cultural support. We budget program and show costs separately for clarity.
BOTD, Inc. (FEIN 86-3297486) is recognized by the IRS under 501(c)(3). Donors in the U.S. may be eligible for tax deductions; consult your tax advisor. (Sales-tax/registration may apply when we sell goods or tickets.)
With Ministry of Education approval, the rollout includes eight primary schools: St. Joseph R.C. (Barranco), St. Peter Claver (PG), St. Alphonsus R.C. (Seine Bight), Richard Quinn R.C. (Georgetown), Holy Family R.C. (Hopkins), and Sacred Heart R.C., Holy Ghost R.C., and Gulisi Community Primary School (Dangriga).
The volunteer Battle of the Drums Secretariat in Punta Gorda manages programs and events, including founders and cultural leaders such as Darius Avila and team members listed in our program overview.