The Mestizo are a people of mixed Spanish and Mayan descent representing roughly half of the Belizean population. They originally arrived in Belize from 1847 onwards, to escape wars in the Yucatan peninsula. The arrivals were mostly Mestizo and fled over the border into what was then British territory. The Mestizo are found everywhere in Belize, including the South, but most make their homes in the northern districts.
The Community in Toledo
Although the Mestizo culture is prevalent in Belize, it’s not as clearly identifiable as other cultures in the Toledo district. Some of the descendants of those who arrived with the first wave of settlers in the 1850s, have established roots in the western and southern parts of the country. Since the 1980s, many thousands of Mestizo descendants from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras have started living in these communities as well. Many of them have found employment in the citrus and banana industries.
Cultural Traditions
Mestizo are Spanish-speaking, and although many Mestizo can speak English fluently, they prefer to communicate in their native Spanish. To an extent, Mestizo can be credited with the fact that Spanish is now the mother-tongue of over forty percent of Belizeans.
Due to its background, Mestizo food is a mixture of Spanish, Mexican and Maya. Well known foods like relleno, empanadas and tamales came from the Mexican side, while corn tortillas were handed down by the Maya.
Mestizo Music originates from the marimba, but the guitar is popular as well. Fiestas are a big tradition and serve as an important celebration to display and retain the identity of the strong Mestizo culture.
Specialities
Although the Mestizo presence is more pronounced in the Northern part of Belize, proof of the culture can be found anywhere in Toledo. Mestizo food can be ordered anywhere (tortillas are of course ubiquitous) and various restaurants offer great tamales and empanadas. For a hearty Mestizo breakfast or lunch, check out the Snack Shack with a wide variety of Mestizo lunch and breakfast orders.
For another genuine Mestizo experience in Toledo, check out the colorful market stalls at the harbor front, which display wares from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and other Central American countries, all with a Maya twist.
Businesses Related to Community
Punta Gorda Market
Mestizo culture and culinary influences are very much part of Toledo’s culture. Although there are no purely Mestizo restaurants you will find the influences in many of the dishes you will taste in Toledo. One of the best places to sample the Mestizo cuisine is at Punta Gorda market where…