The vibrant cultural traditions of Gales Point Manatee Village have received global recognition as UNESCO officially inscribed Belize’s “Krismos Bram and Sambai” celebration onto the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The prestigious designation was conferred during UNESCO’s 20th session in New Delhi, India, with the announcement reaching Belize in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
A distinguished Belizean delegation comprising representatives from the Institute for Social and Cultural Research, the National Kriol Council, and cultural ambassadors from Gales Point attended the international gathering to witness this milestone achievement. UNESCO’s evaluation highlighted how this centuries-old tradition remains “deeply rooted in African heritage” while fostering social cohesion and reinforcing cultural identity among community members.
The Krismos Bram and Sambai festivities represent a dynamic cultural performance featuring rhythmic house-to-house singing, energetic drumming, and traditional dancing. The distinctive sounds of gombay and sambai drums provide the musical foundation for celebrations that commence on Christmas Day and extend through Boxing Day. The Sambai dance, historically associated with agricultural rituals and courtship practices, unfolds around nighttime bonfires where performers blend traditional and contemporary songs reflecting community narratives.
Cultural roles within the tradition follow established patterns: men typically assume responsibility for drumming and instrument craftsmanship, while women serve as guardians of musical compositions, dance techniques, and oral historical knowledge. This gender-based specialization has ensured the preservation of artistic elements that might otherwise face erosion through modernization and development pressures.
This recognition marks Belize’s second inscription on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, following the 2008 designation of Garifuna language, music, and culture. Belize further boasts the UNESCO World Heritage Site status of its Barrier Reef System, demonstrating the nation’s rich cultural and natural heritage portfolio.
Rolando Cocom, Director of the Institute for Social and Cultural Research, emphasized that this international acknowledgment represents a significant advancement in supporting community-led preservation initiatives. The inscription underscores Belize’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding intangible heritage under the framework of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention.
The Belizean delegation, led by Arreini Palacio-Morgan (UNESCO Secretary General for Belize), included cultural luminaries such as Master Drummer Emith Young and Master Dancer Sharlene Andrewin. Attendees at the session were treated to an immersive live demonstration of Krismos Bram and Sambai, offering international observers a glimpse into the tradition’s enduring vitality and cultural significance.