The Garinagu people are an ethnic group of mixed ancestry descended from the Carib, Arawak and African peoples. Due to this melding of cultures, the Garinagu culture is unique in itself although significant influences from other cultures are evident.

People
In Tela, many Garinagu villages still exist. Visitors can visit the Rio Tinto, Tornabé, Miami, La Ensenada, San Juan, and finally Triunfo de la Cruz scattered in the outlying areas of teal. Probably the most interesting because it has retained its centuries-old way of life is the Miami village on the beach of Micos Lagoon inside the Punta Sal National Park. Of course, visitors can visit these Garinagu villages by themselves. However, it is often best to do so in a guided day tour so as to get the most interaction from the locals as well as to be instructed on the right behavior so as to respect local culture.

Society

Garifuna society is a matriarchal one, which means that women assume an active and central part in the household management and the children’s education. Often, too, women assume leadership roles in the community! Yes, the Garifuna woman is no shrinking violet, which means that visitors must accord them the respect they deserve.

Language

The language of the Garinagu reflects its mixed heritage. It is derived primarily from Carib and Arawak with minor influences from French, English and Spanish. Since the Garinagu often adapt the language of the country they stay in, you can speak to a Garifuna in Tela with a few Spanish phrases. An interesting fact about the Garinagu language is that the vocabulary is gender-split, which means that some words are only used by men and some terms only by women! Of course, this does not mean that the society is split in half – men on one side, women on the other side – because Garinagu society is a coed one, so to speak.

Dance and Music

It must be emphasized that the Garifuna language, dance and music have been designated by the UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity for its outstanding contribution to humanity’s diversity of cultures. Along with this designation is the acknowledgement that the Garifuna culture is endangered. So, whenever you visit a Garinagu village, be sure to respect the integrity of the local culture. After all, you have the responsibility as a human being to protect it in your own way! Anyways, Garifuna dance and music is a combination of indigenous and African elements. Varieties include circle dances, paranda and punta, work and cappella songs, to name a few. If you are lucky, you can see these dances and music performed during special occasions.

Tela’s human resources are its best resources! So, whenever you find yourself in Tela, always be sure to interact with the vibrant, vivacious and vivid Garinagu people for a cultural experience unlike no other.

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Breath of Small Town Air

In contrast with the Honduran capital city of Tegucigalpa, Tela is a breath of fresh air with its small town ambience. Visitors are treated to relatively noise-free and diesel fumes-free air, which are results of cars being far and few in between since bicycles are the preferred mode of transportation. If you must come in by car, think of parking it car in a safe place, say, in the hotel parking grounds. After all, Tela is a small place so there is no need to waste gas on getting around.

Carnivals and Holidays

Just like most countries anywhere in the world, Tela culture is defined by the events that draw the most popular attention instead of sophisticated creations. As such, visitors can truly get a feel of Tela culture through its special holiday celebrations ranging from the secular to the spiritual events.

First, there are the secular celebrations like Independence Day and Labor Day, Mothers’ Day and Father’s Day, Children’s Day and Teachers’ Day and even Friendship Day. These are often marked by colorful parades, vibrant carnivals and fun fairs participated and enjoyed in by locals and tourists alike. There is also a Carnaval in Tela, which is celebrated either in late February or early March depending on the Holy Week celebration. Although not as grand as the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro, it is still a sight to see with its colorful costumes and lavish floats as well as Honduran music.

Second, visitors get a glimpse into the Telans’ strong Catholic sensibility through their religious celebrations like Holy Week and Christmas Day. During Holy Week, religious processions during Maundy Thursday and Holy Friday are opportunities to mingle with the locals and experience Catholicism in an intriguing way. And let’s not forget the fiesta! With free-flowing food and drink, music and dance, love and laughter, the fiesta of Tela lives up to its name!

The important thing to remember when in Tela is to respect these holidays. This way, you enjoy the people and places while gaining experience about the lifestyles lead by the Hondurans.

Other Cultural Aspects of Note

When meeting others, give a firm handshake especially when it is offered first to signify respect. Most Telans may not be as expressive with their feelings as big city people, who sometimes hug each other, so avoid touching others in a familiar way unless you truly are familiar with each other.

As to language, the Spanish spoken in Tela have a distinctive character in that some words may not be present in other Spanish-speaking countries. As Tela is increasingly host to many nationalities, visitors can find locals who know how to speak English although carrying a pocket dictionary of standard Spanish phrases may be necessary.

In conclusion, when in Tela, try to imbibe the local culture by eating local food, engaging in local activities, speaking the local language and being friendly with the locals. Ultimately, you will discover that the culture and cares of the people of Tela are not too different from your own although with a Central American twist!

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Tela was founded by Cristobal de Olid, a Spanish conquistador who also played an important part in the conquest of Mexico, on May 1524. It was named Triunfo de la Cruz in honor of the Holy Cross on which the day fell on the Catholic religious calendar. By 1829, it was known by its modern name of Tela.

Various peoples inhabited Tela in the intervening years. In the 1900s, it has become an important port serving the Tela Railroad Company and, then later, the United Fruit Company. Banana plantations formed the backbone of the economy, which was serviced by the extensive railroad network. Since 1976, when the Tela Railroad Company moved its headquarters to la Lima City, Tela has focused its development efforts on tourism, agriculture and cattle ranching. And of course, tourism focused on its sun-kissed beaches!

Tela Geography

With a tropical climate, Tela enjoys warm sunshine virtually the whole year-round. As such, its miles of Caribbean coastline with turquoise waters and powdery beaches are increasingly gaining a good reputation from sun-lovers although other natural attractions are within easy reach of the city.

There are 3 national parks bordering Tela – to the west lies the Jeanette Kawas National Park, to the east is the Punto Izopo National Wildlife Refuge and to the south lies the Lancetilla Botanical Garden. For nature lovers and adventures seekers alike, Tela will never be a dull town! But of course, the Garifuna villages dotting the city perimeters are not to be missed. With their colorful culture, these villages provide visitors with a glimpse into the vibrant melding of Carib, Arawak and African cultures that has been recognized by the UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Tela Culture

It must be emphasized that Tela is a mostly Catholic city and, as such, honors the various Catholic traditions like Holy Week and the fiesta of Señor San Antonio. Of course, other Christian denominations are also represented with their own traditions. Regardless of religion, however, visitors are well-advised to respect said traditions if only to get along well with one’s hosts.

On the whole, the people of Tela are exposed to Western culture from its music to its dress code. As such, visitors can roam freely in the beaches and the downtown areas without fear of any kind of religious police. Visitors might, however, come across the Tourist Police although said meeting will generally be a pleasant one as its members are part of the city’s tourism infrastructure.

The city of Tela is increasingly gaining worldwide attention for its places, peoples and parties. Now is the time to check out the scene and fall in love with everything that Tela has to offer its visitors!

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