The origins of the Garifuna are intertwined with the cultures of the Carib and Arawak indigenous people of Antilles islands. British ships carrying Africans destined for a life of slavery floundered and sank off the coasts of Caribbean islands such as St. Vincent. Those who managed to get ashore set the scene for the emergence of the Garifuna culture.

There are many Garifuna communities along the Caribbean coast of Central America, the largest in Honduras. Yet, while the Guatemalan community is somewhat smaller, the ties to their heritage continue to be current and strong.

In the small town of Livingston on the Caribbean coast, the friendly, outgoing Garifuna make up the majority of the population. Celebrations of holidays and religious festivities are carried out with a singular passion characteristic of their rich African heritage.
Punta is possibly the most popular and well known of the Garifuna's celebratory activities.
Believed to be crucial for fertility, punta is a sensual and rhythmic dance most often performed by women. Punta is danced at social gatherings and other special occasions.
Yankunu or Wanaragua is a dance reserved for men wearing fierce masks and is representatiev of their warring ancestors.

Aside from dancing and celebratory rites, the Garifuna are well known for their wood carving abilities. Using woods such as oak and cedar, they carve religious figures such as saints and images of the Virgin Mary that are often used during Easter week.

These people are an integral part of the Guatemalan cultural mosaic. Just as the Maya indigenous groups of Guatemala have different traditions, languages and dress, the Garifuna continue to hold true to their unique and complex origins.