Last night we told you about the history of the Jankunu Bram in Belize City and across the country. But it is a dying tradition, and it's rare to find even one crew still doing it in Belize City. But we got to share in that rare treat today with a collective that calls themselves the Pelican Street massive.
Alfonso Noble Reporting,
Bare feet on a hot, unpaved street - that's what we found today when we received an exclusive invitation to an impromptu Jankunu bram. How do they do it, in the sweltering afternoon heat, upon these sharp and jagged stones?
Richard Avila,
"We all have this vibe because when we were small like them, we always saw this thing happening every year in Belize and now we feel proud to stand up and dance on the stone because what we are doing nobody else is doing. That gives us the vibe to dance on the stone because we are the few."
Damian Flores,
"I know we have our ancestors with us and they are the ones that carry us through this world and guide us."
This collective of Garifunas live here on Pelican Street and they stay true to the tradition and do it in Belize City where Garifunas are a relevant minority.
Damian Flores,
"In Belize city the Creole have very big appreciation for Garifuna culture more than some of us Garifuna people for our own culture. A lot of us Garifuna children look down on Garifuna tradition and they are ashamed to carry it. And yes we as Garifuna, you mention that only we do this in Belize, but its very hard because only we are doing it, no one else will be left to do it. Only us."
Andres Arana,
"It feel really great for us to show our culture and introduce our culture to people who don't know how our culture feel. The reason why we share our culture is to let the people know how we feel. We feel great because its our culture. Who don't know about it will just lose out. Who get to know about it will know about the best."
Today they represent for their culture and tomorrow this generation of children looking on will take it up. And from what we saw there's at least one future prospect. So if you see them coming your way - that advice is simple pull a chair and lend an ear.
Andres Arana,
"Come with love, just two chairs for the drummers. Welcome us with love."
The Pelican Street massive will be going through the city tonight and tomorrow, so have those chairs ready.
