Maroon Creole Drum School

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Today, the Krismos Bram and Sambai are officially inscribed as an element on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity! The news filled the country with pride and joy, as treasured traditions received a remarkable distinction. We congratulate the Gales Point Manatee community and all organizations involved in making this achievement possible for Belize, especially the Creole culture!🇧🇿 #TravelBelize

Krismos Bram and Sambai Added to UNESCO Heritage List

Belize’s Krismos Bram and Sambai traditions of Gales Point “Malanti” have been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision was made this morning on during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee in New Delhi, India.

This is Belize’s second element on the list, following the Garifuna Language, Music and Dance. A Belizean delegation from NICH, the National Kriol Council, and Gales Point cultural practitioners attended the event, where Master Drummer Emith Young and Master Dancer Sharlene Andrewin gave a live demonstration.

ISCR Director Rolando Cocom said the recognition strengthens community efforts to safeguard their traditions and reflects Belize’s commitment to protecting cultural heritage.

We are so proud to announce that the Krismos Bram and Sambai of Gales Point, Manatee has been inscribed at UNESCO. An honour for Belize and a well deserved recognition for the people of Malanti. Congratulations!
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Belize’s Krismos Bram and Sambai Inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Belize proudly announces that the Krismos Bram and Sambai of Gales Point “Malanti” Village is now officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, as adopted at the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee in New Delhi, India, on 9 December 2025.

This historic achievement marks Belize’s second element on the Representative List, following the inscription of Garifuna Language, Music and Dance.

Belize’s delegation to UNESCO reflects a national and community-based effort to safeguard and celebrate living heritage:
● Arreini Palacio-Morgan, UNESCO Secretary General, National Commission of Belize
● Rolando Cocom, Director, ISCR-NICH
● April Martinez, Living Heritage Officer, ISCR-NICH
● Selene Solis, National Kriol Council
● Emith Young, Master Drummer, Gales Point Village
● Sharlene Andrewin, Master Dancer, Gales Point Village

Speaking at the event, Director Rolando Cocom remarked that “We are confident that the people of Gales Point and the many practitioners, knowledge bearers, and advocates involved will see this as a meaningful step forward: one that strengthens their efforts to safeguard their values, knowledge, and skills. For Belize, this moment is also a reflection of our strong and ongoing commitment under the 2003 Convention.”

The delegates of the UNESCO Meeting were then treated with a short demonstration of the Krismos Bram and Sambai, presented by Master Drummer Emith Young and Master Dancer Sharlene Andrewin from Gales Point Village.

This nomination was possible thanks to the direct community involvement of Gales Point Village and National Kriol Council and the stewardship of the National Institute of Culture and History and its division of the Institute for Social and Cultural Research under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Culture, Science and Technology led by the Hon. Francis Fonseca.

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Happy Garifuna Settlement Day Belize!

Safeguarding & Preservation of our Kriol Kolcha is always at the forefront of our mission. We encourage our future generation ages 13 - 17 years to sign up for The Hub's Kriol Heritage Program.
Every Friday effective November 8th
Time: 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Stop By or Call: 227 - 4003/3992 to Sign Up

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National Institute of Culture and History NICH is Belize's premier cultural institution, we seek to help provide access to Belize’s cultural past, present and future...