UNESCO Adds Belize’s Krismos Bram and Sambai to Intangible Heritage List

Belize has earned a new international cultural honor as UNESCO has officially inscribed the “Krismos Bram and Sambai” tradition of Gales Point Manatee Village onto the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision was made during UNESCO’s 20th session in New Delhi, India, and announced early Tuesday morning Belize time.

A Belizean delegation from the Institute for Social and Cultural Research, the National Kriol Council, and cultural leaders from Gales Point attended the session.

According to UNESCO, the tradition is “deeply rooted in African heritage” and helps build unity and a strong sense of identity among community members. The celebrations bring people together and protect cultural practices that could be at risk from modernization and development.

Krismos Bram and Sambai include house-to-house singing, drumming, and dancing, with the gombay and sambai drums providing the rhythm. The festivities begin on Christmas Day and continue through Boxing Day. The Sambai dance, once linked to farming and courtship, takes place at night around a bonfire and highlights both old and new songs about community life. Men are usually responsible for drumming and making instruments, while women help preserve songs, dances, and cultural knowledge.

This marks Belize’s second inscription on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The first was the recognition of Garifuna language, culture, and music in 2008. Belize’s Barrier Reef System is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Rolando Cocom, Director of the Institute for Social and Cultural Research, said the recognition is an important step that supports community efforts to preserve their cultural traditions. He said the inscription shows Belize’s continued commitment to safeguarding heritage under UNESCO’s 2003 Convention.

Belize’s delegation was led by Arreini Palacio-Morgan, UNESCO Secretary General for Belize, along with Cocom and other cultural representatives, including Master Drummer Emith Young and Master Dancer Sharlene Andrewin. Delegates at the meeting were treated to a brief live demonstration of the Krismos Bram and Sambai, showcasing the vibrant spirit of the tradition.