2025 Battle of the Drums Competition and Show

The 2025 Battle of the Drums, the 20th annual staging of Belize’s premier Garifuna drumming competition and cultural showcase, was successfully held at the Sporting Auditorium in Punta Gorda Town. The event brought together elite drumming groups from across Belize and Central America, each competing for the prestigious title of Masters of the Garifuna Drums.

Participating Drumming Groups – 2025 Battle of the Drums

The following groups displayed exceptional skill, cultural pride, and mastery of traditional Garifuna rhythms:

Winners of the 2025 Battle of the Drums Competition

 1st Place – Ligarabali Huliligati (Honduras)

• Prize: BZ$1,800 (Belize Tourism Board)

• Pair of Drums: Valued at BZ$1,000 (NICH)

• Trophy: Valued at BZ$1,000 (In Memory of Leticia Duncan Young)

 2nd Place – Hagemeri Wayunagu (Dangriga)

• Prize: BZ$1,200 (Martin Petillo Family Memorial Account)

3rd Place – Ibayani Georgetown (Georgetown Village)

• Prize: BZ$800 (Raju’s Variety Store)

Consolation Prizes – BZ$300 each

Sponsored by Dr. Corine Lambey, Mrs. Elma Brown, Ms. Olive Woodye, and Ms. Martha Serano.

Special Awards – 2025 Battle of the Drums

• Best Chumba Performance:
  Ibayani Georgetown – BZ$150 (Battle of the Drums Secretariat)

• Best Wanaragua Dancer:
  Erei Ramos (Hawani Wayunagu) – BZ$100 (Vincent “Nadai” Sampson) + Plaque (Dr. Alberita Enriquez / Lan Barangu Luba Garifunaduou)

• Most Exciting Sisira Performance:
  Ibayani Georgetown – BZ$100 (Battle of the Drums Secretariat)

• Maura Lopez Award for Best Group Gayusa (Shared):

  • Independence Junior College

  • Hawani Wayunagu (Dangriga)

  • Úwaraguati Peini (Punta Gorda)
    Prize: BZ$500 shared equally (Winston & Maura Lopez Family)

• Olivia Palacio Avila Award for Best Uniform (Shared):

  • Ibayani Georgetown

  • Independence Junior College

  • Ligarabali Huliligati (Honduras)
    Prize: BZ$500 shared equally (Evan & Sylvia Cayetano)