The Battle of the Drums Competition and Show is a drumming competition and show that allows groups to compete and display their musical artistry in playing five (5) different categories of Garifuna drumming. The first Battle of the Drums was held in Punta Gorda Town on November 17, 2006, and was well received by spectators from home and abroad. In 2007, there was even a bigger audience and greater enthusiasm. In 2008 the event evolved into an international Garifuna drumming competition and show involving drumming groups from various parts of our country as well as from neighboring Guatemala and Honduras. This competition and show have become a major local and tourist attraction and a catalyst for significant economic activity in the Punta Gorda area during the period when it is hosted. The Battle of the Drums Competition and Show is held every year on Saturday immediately preceding the 19th day of November.
The proceeds from the Battle of the Drums Initiative are strictly used to pursue various cultural retrieval activities.
Battle of the Drums Champions
Name of Group | Year | Place of Origin |
Mario and the Umalali Group | 2006 | Punta Gorda Town |
Chucurru and the Tribal Vibes | 2007 | Punta Gorda Town |
Chucurru and the Tribal Vibes | 2008 | Punta Gorda Town |
Lilagule Barangu | 2009 | Barranco Village |
Lilagule Barangu | 2010 | Barranco Village |
Lebeha Drummers | 2011 | Hopkins Village |
Grupo Huchelo | 2012 | Baja Mar, Honduras |
Lufuluri Gulfu Iyumoun | 2013 | Livingston, Guatemala |
Ecumenical High School | 2014 | Dangriga Town |
Alanga Beidina/Lirahuñu Seinbeidi | 2015 | Seine Bight Village |
Alanga Beidina/Lirahuñu Seinbeidi | 2016 | Seine Bight Village |
Laru Beya Band | 2017 | Belize City |
Ecumenical Junior College | 2018 | Dangriga Town |
Ecumenical Junior College | 2019 | Dangriga Town |