Music of Belize - Mestizo Music

Mestizo Music

Mestizo culture in north and west Belize, and also Guatemala, is characterised by marimba, a xylophone-like instrument descended from an African instrument. Marimba bands use trap drums, double bass and sometimes other instruments. Famous performers include Alma Belicena and the Los Angeles Marimba Band. In Benque Viejo Del Carmen, the Los Angeles Marimbas were owned by the Castellanos family, whose patriarch, Ernesto Castellanos was both musician and master marimba maker. They gave scheduled weekend performances at the Los Angeles Club (also owned by the Castellanos Family) on Church Street in Benque Viejo Del Carmen. Although Alma Belicena was known as the mobile marimba band who participated in many events around the country, their variety of music was limited to cultural styles. Los Angeles Marimbas on the other hand remained fixed in their own home, rarely making external appearances, yet they were so skilled and diversified in music genres that actually listening to them was a treat and perfect marimba experience.