Belize has reached another historic milestone on the global cultural stage with the official inscription of the Krismos Bram and Sambai of Gales Point “Manatee” Village on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The adoption took place at the 20th Session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee in New Delhi, India, on December 9, 2025, marking a proud and deeply meaningful moment for the nation.
This recognition makes the Krismos Bram and Sambai Belize’s second cultural element to receive UNESCO designation, following the earlier inscription of Garifuna Language, Music, and Dance. It solidifies Belize’s growing reputation as a guardian of rich, living traditions that continue to thrive within its communities.
A Celebration of Living Heritage
Krismos Bram is a vibrant Christmas-season tradition characterized by joyful music, rhythmic movement, and community participation, while Sambai is an energetic circle dance rooted in drumming, storytelling, and expressive performance. Together, they represent more than entertainment, they are living expressions of Belizean identity, passed down through generations in Gales Point Village, one of the country’s most culturally treasured communities.
These traditions embody spiritual celebration, resilience, storytelling, and communal bonding, values that remain as alive today as when the dances were first formed.
National and Community Collaboration
Belize’s successful nomination was the result of direct community leadership and national collaboration, particularly the involvement of:
- Gales Point Village practitioners and cultural knowledge bearers
- The National Kriol Council
- The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) through its Institute for Social and Cultural Research (ISCR)
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Culture, Science and Technology, led by Hon. Francis Fonseca
Belize’s UNESCO delegation included:
- Arreini Palacio-Morgan, Secretary General, National Commission of Belize
- Rolando Cocom, Director, ISCR–NICH
- April Martinez, Living Heritage Officer, ISCR–NICH
- Selene Solis, National Kriol Council
- Emith Young, Master Drummer, Gales Point Village
- Sharlene Andrewin, Master Dancer, Gales Point Village
During the session, attendees were treated to a live demonstration of Krismos Bram and Sambai, performed by Master Drummer Emith Young and Master Dancer Sharlene Andrewin, bringing the rhythms of Belize directly to the international stage.
Krismos Bram and Sambai
Safeguarding Belize’s Cultural Future
Speaking during the ceremony, ISCR Director Rolando Cocom underscored the significance of the achievement:
“We are confident that the people of Gales Point and the many practitioners, knowledge bearers, and advocates involved will see this as a meaningful step forward, one that strengthens their efforts to safeguard their values, knowledge, and skills. For Belize, this moment reflects our strong and ongoing commitment under the 2003 UNESCO Convention.”
A Historic Moment for Belize
This UNESCO recognition is more than a celebration, it is a global validation of Belize’s commitment to protecting living heritage and empowering the communities who keep traditional culture alive. For Gales Point Village and the Kriol people of Belize, the moment affirms that their traditions belong not only to the past, but to the nation’s future and the heritage of the world.
As Belize adds another jewel to its cultural crown alongside the Garifuna heritage distinction, the country once again stands tall on the world stage, proud, vibrant, and rich in tradition. Congratulations to the community of Gales Point Manatee, the National Kriol Council, and NICH for their dedication in safeguarding and sharing this extraordinary legacy with the world.
