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From the Fire Hearth By Lyra Spang
to this delicacy is Rum Po We take Christmas seriously Po. in Belize. 12 days isn’t quite Rum PoPo Colada at Tipsy Tuna enough for us, so festivities in Placencia begin well before the 25th and continue through New Year’s weekend, with revelry, music and of course good food and drink going from door to door in the form of the traditional Creole Christmas “Bram”. Creole Brukdown music makes a Homemade eggnog strong appearance and you stiffened with plenty of rum, might even hear the sound this heady concoction is of an accordion as buckets finished with freshly grated are turned into drums and nutmeg. If you want to try revelers break into song. some for yourself, head to Bramming from home to Barefoot Bar, where it is on home is complemented the specials menu during the by the famous Garifuna holiday season. If you need Jonkunudancers from energy, a shot of Belizean Seine Bight Village who Bittas will cure your cold drum their way down the and keep you dancing. After peninsula from business a long night of celebration, to business. This spirited masked dance has its origins in the colonial days of the Caribbean islands and makes fun of white slave owners. But what keeps everyone going for these weeks of celebration? Christmas in Belize is not complete without a thick slice of moist, rich Black Cake, a dark rum laced fruit cake that everyone’s grandmother makes best. Orders for this delicious concoction are often placed weeks in advance, while the candied fruits soak patiently in rum, awaiting their day of glory. The perfect accompaniment
rich and filling as suckling pig. After Christmas Day leftovers make for a good Boxing Day feast and the festivities continue with lots of parties, rum, beer and soft drinks flowing freely until New Year’s, when Placencia Creole families celebrate with a rich and creamy rice pudding. Don’t miss out on these delicious flavours of the season during your time on the peninsula!
is strong, imported ham and turkey often take center stage for Christmas dinner and sides of stuffing and cranberry sauce share space with rice and beans and potato salad. However, a lucky few with hunter friends might enjoy a whole baked Gibnut for their holiday dinner. This large rabbit like denizen of Lyra Spang is owner/ the rainforest has flesh as guide of Taste Belize Tours, a unique cultural & culinary tour company. She researches & writes about food whenever she can. tastebelize@gmail.com.
For information contact the Placencia Village Council
Cow Foot Soup is a classic “goma killer” that will allay any hangover. Check the specials boards around town for this and the equally hearty and delicious Conch Soup made with the sweet meat of the queen conch. On Placencia Peninsula, where Creole and Garifuna cultures predominate and North American influence
Above Grounds Coffee House Supporting Small Independent Producers
Shade Grown Organic Guatemalan Coffee
Main Road , Past Football (Soccer) Field South End of the Village
7am—4pm Monday to Saturday 7am—Noon Sunday Espresso / Brewed & Iced Coffees - Decaf - Goss Chocolate Drinks Iced Teas - Fresh Juices - Bagels - Breads by the Slice - High Speed Wi-Fi Skype Friendly Coffee by the Lb. Whole Bean or Ground to Order Phone 634 3212 Visit www.placenciabreeze.com
