Belize Gains UNESCO Nod for Krismos Bram and Sambai

Belize secures UNESCO recognition for Krismos Bram and Sambai from Gales Point. Creole Christmas traditions join the Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Approval at New Delhi Session

The Krismos Bram and Sambai from Gales Point “Malanti” village earned a spot on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision came during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee in December 2025 in New Delhi, India.

Rolando Cocom, director of the NICH (National Institute of Culture and History), spoke at the event. He noted that Gales Point’s community and experts see this as a key step to protect their traditions and knowledge.

We are confident that the Gales Point community, along with numerous professionals, knowledge holders, and advocates involved, will see this recognition as a significant advancement that strengthens their efforts to safeguard their values, knowledge, and skills. For Belize, this moment also reflects our firm and ongoing commitment to the 2003 Convention.

The nomination involved direct input from the local community, the National Kriol Council, and NICH coordination. Support came from the Institute of Social and Cultural Research under the Foreign Affairs Ministry, led by Francis Fonseca.

Centuries-Old Christmas Customs

In coastal Gales Point, Christmas thrives for centuries. Krismos Bram features lively processions of music, dance, and storytelling as villagers go house-to-house on Christmas and Boxing Day.

Sambai brings vibrant circle dances around bonfires, linking generations through rhythm and custom. Rooted in the resilience of enslaved Africans from the 18th century, these practices endure.

UNESCO’s endorsement boosts preservation efforts and motivates youth to carry on this legacy. Belize solidifies its global cultural prominence.

Mayan King Te’ Kab Chaak Tomb Found

Meanwhile, archaeologists Arlen and Diane Chase from the University of Houston uncovered a royal tomb at Caracol after over 40 years of digs. It holds remains of Te’ Kab Chaak, dynasty founder who ruled from 331 to 350 AD.

The rectangular chamber featured red cinnabar walls, pottery vessels, jadeite jewelry, and a stunning jade-and-shell death mask. This unique ruler’s tomb ranks among 2025’s top 10 finds.

From Brazil, fly Copa Airlines via Panama hub. From the US, choose American Airlines (Miami, Dallas), United (Houston), or Delta (Atlanta).