Darius Avila
President
Battle of the Drums (BOTD) is a not-for-profit dedicated to Garifuna cultural retrieval and preservation. We pair world-class performance with year-round education and community work so the language, music, and traditions of the Garifuna people remain lived, not just remembered. Founded in Punta Gorda in 2006 and formalized as a not-for-profit in 2012, BOTD now operates across southern Belize in close collaboration with community partners, schools, churches, and cultural organizations..
We make Garifuna heritage visible, audible, and teachable—in classrooms, on stages, and in public observances. Our work blends practical delivery (lessons, rehearsals, logistics), capacity building (teacher training, adjudication standards, volunteer development), and dignified public moments (Yurumein, Mass, forums) that invite the whole community to participate.
We work in close collaboration with the National Garifuna Council (NGC) at national and local levels, alongside schools, churches, councils, and cultural organizations across southern Belize. Partnerships ensure relevance, access, and shared stewardship of a living heritage.
Signature events and partnerships keep the mission funded and visible. The Battle of the Drums weekend, Belize Garifuna Song Competition, Food & Fete, and the Belize Garifuna Music Festival raise awareness and resources while honoring cultural standards. Sponsors and donors help us plan with confidence and deliver at a high level.
