The Mestizo, presently the largest population in Belize, comprise 48% of the country’s residents.
There are two types of Mestizo in Belize: those who are descendants of both Mexicans and Yucatec Maya who fled from Yucatan in the mid 1800s, and those who migrated from Central America to Belize in the 1980s in search of refuge from violent civil wars in Petén.
The Mestizo of Belize are a subtle reminder of this country’s Spanish roots. Descendants of Maya and Spanish settlers, who immigrated to Belize during the Caste Wars (La Guerra de Castas) of the Yucatan, the Mestizo live predominately in the northern regions of Belize such as Corozal and Orange Walk and in the western district of Cayo.
Rich flavorful soups such as Relleno, Chimole and Escabeche, widespread towns and colorful village festivals contribute to the Mestizo’s Belizean identity.
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