Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2017 | Page 117

Belize’s Creole Culture

Belize’s Creole (or Kriol) culture is attributed to the African slaves who were brought to the country
in the 1700’s. Kriols are the descendants of British settlers and African slaves who represents 30
percent of the population in Belize, with two-thirds living in Belize City. The Creole culture has
evolved over the years to include the Mestizo who are Belizeans of Spanish and Mayan descent.
They represent about 48% of the Belizean population.
With the Creole culture came a broken-English dialect, Belize Kriol. Although British English is
taught in schools, Kriol is the first language of some ethnic groups in the country.
Creole food is a delicious blend of the different cultures. A popular Creole dish is rice and beans
with stewed chicken and salad. Another, “Boil Up”, is boiled ground provisions, vegetables, egg,
fish and bread dumplings.