High Schools Battle of the Drums 2025
AdminThe 13th Annual High Schools Battle of the Drums 2025 was held at the Belize City Civic Center, bringing together secondary school students from across the country in a national Garifuna drumming, singing, and dance competition. Held under the theme “Embracing cultural diversity in our oneness as Belizeans,” the event provided a meaningful platform for high school–aged youth to celebrate cultural expression, artistic discipline, and national unity through performance.
Objectives of the High Schools Battle of the Drums
The objectives of the High Schools Battle of the Drums 2025 were to:
- Allow high school–aged students to compete meaningfully while showcasing their talents in Garifuna drumming, singing, and dance.
- Provide a forum for youth from different regions of Belize to interact in a positive cultural environment.
- Generate funds to be reinvested into the High Schools Battle of the Drums, ensuring sustainability.
- Support Garifuna cultural retrieval initiatives within participating high schools.
- Create a talent pool for future participation in the Adult Battle of the Drums.
Special Awards
Best Chumba
Georgetown Technical High School
Prize: $100.00Best Wanaragua Dancer
Erei Ramos – Independence High School
Prize: $100.00Best Gayusa Award
Georgetown Technical High School
Prize: $150.00- Best Sisira Player – 3-way tie won by Independence, Wesley College & Georgetown Technical High School, who
shared the cash prize of $75.00.
1st Place: Georgetown Technical High School
– $500.00 cash prize
– 1st Place medals
– Pair of Garifuna drums
– Trophy valued at $800.00
2nd Place: Wesley College
– $400.00 cash prize
– 2nd Place medals
3rd Place: Independence High School
– $300.00 cash prize
– 3rd Place medals
Consolation Prizes
All remaining participating schools received $200.00 each.
Support and Acknowledgements
Participating schools were supported in their preparation and participation by the National Garifuna Council, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), the Ministry of Culture, and the Battle of the Drums Secretariat.
