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.

Competition-Logo

Battle of the Drums Champions

2K17Champs
Battle of the Drums Champions 2017
2K18Champs
Battle of the Drums Champions 2018
2K19Champs
Battle of the Drums Champions 2019
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