The Community in Toledo
Although the Creole culture is prevalent in Toledo, it’s not as identifiable as some of the other cultures in the district. When forestry declined (most Creoles were working in that industry) the Creole population started looking for other occupations on the waterfront, mostly in the service industries and government jobs. Typical Creole communities now are the coastal towns of Monkey River and Punta Gorda. Creole culture is widespread throughout Belize (and thus Toledo) and most restaurants in PG serve Creole food and showcase Creole artists and music when there is a reason to celebrate.
Cultural Traditions
Creole traditions are a collection of cultural aspects from many other ethnic groups. In addition to standard English, Creoles in Belize speak the “Kriol” language, considered by some as a completely distinct language evolved from, but no longer, a dialect of English. The Creoles love coconut milk and use it to prepare the staple rice and beans, fish stew and Creole bread. Just as many Creole traditions are derived from other cultures, so has the food which has been adopted from other ethnic groups. Some of the Creole delicacies include cowfoot soup, crab soup, stew fish and conch soup. Music and dance were always part of Creole religious ritual and magical practices and is an important part of Creole culture. In the Creole music, many instruments are used but there remains a preference for the basic instruments employed by the African ancestors: drums, rattles, sticks knocked together and bottles hit with metal.
Specialities
For the genuine “Kriol” experience in Toledo, visit Leela’s Bistro and Creole Museum (all in one) with a fascinating history of Creole life in Toledo including the amazing story of the Creole artist Leela Vernon (and mother of the owners of the Bistro). Other restaurants in Punta Gorda serve good Creole food and offer Creole live music. Check out Asha’s Kitchen for instance, an all-time favourite.
If you would like to further explore the local rhythm of the Creole culture, visit the Maroon Creole Drum School which offers classes in Creole and West African drumming, drum making workshops and culture presentations as well as fire hearth cooking classes with traditional Creole recipes. Si yoo lata. — (See you later…..).
Businesses Related to Community
Driftwood Studios and HashisiPaampi Fire Hearth and Maroon Creole Drum School
Better known and still closely associated with the Maroon Creole Drum School, Driftwood Studios and HashishiPaampi Fire Hearth offers several traditional Kriol cultural activities, attractions, and products. All activities are presented with particular attention to the Studios’ relationship to Kriol and Belizean cultures. The Studios offer a continuous exhibit of…
Joicelyn Cuisine
“Our food is local, seasonal, traditional Creole cooking! Large portions of typical rice and beans, stewed chicken, fresh fish, barbeque, jerk chicken, stewed pork, soup and more….. our homemade hot sauce is legendary!“ This is Joicelyn’s philosophy and she sticks to it! Joicelyn starts her days early, on foot, at…
Asha’s Culture Kitchen
Sitting outdoors on a covered deck with the salty breeze coming from the sea to cool off the heat of the day, the sound of the waves lapping on the shore. That’s Asha’s Culture Kitchen. Can’t be beat. Asha’s Culture Kitchen is one of the all-time favorite restaurants in PG….
Negra Grill and Tavern
Punta Negra is a small, idyllic, authentic Creole coastal community just North of Punta Gorda with beautiful remote beaches and cool Caribbean breezes. The village is nestled between the Port of Honduras Marine Reserve to the front and the Payne’s Creek National Park to the rear and very hard to…
Leela’s Bistro – Lila Vernon Memorial Museum & Culture House
Description: Through Leela Vernon’s story, daughter Julet and son Franz bring to life Toledo’s incredible Creole history and culture over typical local dishes and a personal tour of the “Kriol” Museum. Leela Vernon (1950-2017) was and is a Belizean cultural icon noted for her contributions to preserving Creole culture in…