Dugu

Several weeks ago, our neighbors tragically lost a family member in an auto accident. Seine Bight, of course, is a Garifuna village and one of several in Belize. As part of the healing process after a death, an extended ceremony called a dugu is held.

"The Garinagu believe that unhappy ancestral spirits cause bad things to happen to people, such as making them sick, to get their attention.  The purpose of the dugu is to appease the ancestors, to make them happy, and to heal the living of illnesses and other adversities."

To the beat of drummers, the final night was held, and the haunting sounds of the music filled the air till dawn...