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A FUNDADELA project

Garifuna Percussion Orchestra of Guatemala

A youth orchestra keeping the Garifuna drum alive in Livingston, Izabal.

Children and young people from the Garifuna percussion project with their teachers in Livingston

The project

Creation and sustainability of the Garifuna Percussion Orchestra of Guatemala in Livingston, Izabal, which now operates with support from the central and local governments.

Young Garifuna drummers rehearsing with their teacher in Livingston
Illustrative image.

Why it matters

The Garifuna people live on Guatemala's Caribbean coast, mainly in Livingston. Their language, dance and music were proclaimed a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2001. The drum is at the heart of that tradition: it drives punta, parranda and ceremonial music. A percussion orchestra gives young people a place to learn this repertoire from their elders and to perform it beyond their community.

A young player's hands on Garifuna drums
Illustrative image.

Information from FUNDADELA records.

Make the next project possible

Your gift becomes workshops, scholarships and instruments for children and young people in Guatemala.

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