Play, Jankunú Play – The Garifuna Wanaragua Ritual of Belize (2006)

The Garifuna people of Central America, with roots in West Africa and Native America, celebrate a significant ritual called wanaragua, also known as Jankunú. This is a unique blend of African, European, and Arawak/Carib artistic traditions where music, dance, and costume express social identity. Dancers wear colorful outfits to represent past oppressors, symbolically affirming their heritage through stylized movements accompanied by drums and songs commenting on society. The film interweaves descriptions of the three processions and dance styles with insights from Garifuna singers, drummers, dancers, cultural advocates, and scholars about the ritual's importance.