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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,
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.
A Mosaic of Backgrounds and Languages
39
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.