Punta Gorda, Honduras: History, Culture, and the Heart of the Garifuna People

Authors

• Chassidy Diaz, University of Central FloridaFollow

Streaming Media

Files

Course Code

LAS

Course Number

3142

Faculty/Instructor

Valerie Man-Grosso

Faculty/Instructor Email

Valerie.Man-Grosso@ucf.edu

About the Author

Hello everyone, my name is Chassidy Diaz, and I am a junior here at the University of Central Florida. This semester, I had the opportunity to take LAS 3142, The Latin American City, with Dr. Valerie Man-Grosso. Throughout this course, I gained valuable insight into Latin American countries and urban development. Today, I am honored to present on the Latin American village of Punta Gorda, Honduras.

Abstract, Summary, or Creative Statement

Along the northern coast of Honduras, where the Caribbean Sea meets lush tropical landscapes, lies the village of Punta Gorda, a place where history, culture, and identity intertwine. Known as one of the earliest Garifuna settlements in Central America, Punta Gorda is more than just a village; it is a living testament to resilience and heritage. The Garifuna people, descendants of West African, Indigenous Caribbean, and Arawak ancestries, arrived on these shores in the late 18th century after being exiled from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, bringing with them a rich cultural legacy that continues to thrive today.

In Punta Gorda, history is not confined to the past; it is woven into everyday life. The rhythms of traditional drumming echo through the village, accompanying dances and songs that preserve stories of survival and community. The Garifuna language, food, and spiritual practices remain central to daily life, reflecting a deep connection to both land and ancestry.

Despite challenges brought by modernization and economic pressures, Punta Gorda stands as a cultural stronghold. It represents the enduring spirit of the Garifuna people, a community that has preserved its identity through centuries of displacement and change. Ultimately, Punta Gorda is not just a geographic location, but the heart of a people whose history and culture continue to shape their present and inspire their future.

Keywords

Latin America, Garífuna, African Diaspora, Diaspora, Colonization

Recommended Citation

Diaz, Chassidy, "Punta Gorda, Honduras: History, Culture, and the Heart of the Garifuna People" (2026). High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2026. 71.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2026spring/71