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A Mosaic of Backgrounds and Languages

Likewise, their traditional rituals have given way to Christian beliefs. The Mopán Mayas, fleeing forced labor on plantations, came to Belize in 1886 from Peten. They live mainly in San Antonio Village in the Toledo District and other villages in the Cayo District. Kekchi Mayans came to Belize in the 1870s, also to escape forced labor. They settled in Belize’s lowland areas along rivers and streams, forming small isolated villages throughout the Toledo District. Because of their isolation, the Kekchi have the reputation of being the most self-reliant ethnic group in Belize. They are also known as a peaceful people who farm cooperatively. The Mennonites The Mennonites, originally from Russia and Germany in the 19th century, immigrated to Belize from Mexico and Canada in the late 1950s. They reside in the Orange Walk and Cayo districts in six villages: Blue Creek, Shipyard, Little Belize,

This young Creole girl lives in Belmopan, the capital of Belize. About 14,000 people live in Belmopan, which became the capital after a hurricane devas- tated Belize City in 1961.

Progresso, Spanish Lookout, and Barton Creek. Their clothing easily identi- fies Mennonites. Women wear bonnets and long dresses, and the men wear denim overalls and wide, floppy hats.