The Garifuna Experience Podcast

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The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Jose Francisco Avila

37 episodes

5 days ago

Send us a text In this episode, we bridge the gap between mainstream Hollywood accolades and the independent spirit of Garifuna filmmaking. As we prepare for the 2026 awards season, we reflect on how Garifuna narratives have moved from the background of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema to the forefront of international festivals. Key Takeaways: Awards Season Intel: A breakdown of the 83rd Golden Globes (Jan 11, 2026) and the 98th Oscars voting window.The Pioneer: Celebrating Juan José Laborie...

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Places & Travel

Society & Culture

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Send us a text In this episode, we bridge the gap between mainstream Hollywood accolades and the independent spirit of Garifuna filmmaking. As we prepare for the 2026 awards season, we reflect on how Garifuna narratives have moved from the background of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema to the forefront of international festivals. Key Takeaways: Awards Season Intel: A breakdown of the 83rd Golden Globes (Jan 11, 2026) and the 98th Oscars voting window.The Pioneer: Celebrating Juan José Laborie...

Show more...

Places & Travel

Society & Culture

Episodes (20/37)

The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Episode 32 - From the Oscars to Our Roots: The Legacy and Future of Garifuna

Send us a text In this episode, we bridge the gap between mainstream Hollywood accolades and the independent spirit of Garifuna filmmaking. As we prepare for the 2026 awards season, we reflect on how Garifuna narratives have moved from the background of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema to the forefront of international festivals. Key Takeaways: Awards Season Intel: A breakdown of the 83rd Golden Globes (Jan 11, 2026) and the 98th Oscars voting window.The Pioneer: Celebrating Juan José Laborie...

4 days ago

18 minutes

The Garifuna Experience Podcast

2026 Season Kickoff Teaser

Send us a text Happy New Year 2026! We are kicking off the year with a special milestone episode. Just six months ago, The Garifuna Experience Podcastlaunched with a singular mission: to serve as a catalyst for Prosperity, Power, and Progress within the Garifuna community. Today, we reflect on how far we’ve come and pull back the curtain on the massive expansion coming in 2026. In this episode, we revisit the highlights of our first 31 episodes—from the historical drama of King Shotaway...

1 week ago

2 minutes

The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Episode 31- Wanaragua (Yankunu): The Masked Dance of Defiance and Christmas

Send us a text Dive into the spirit of a Garifuna Christmas as host José Francisco Ávila unveils the Wanaragua (or Jankunu), a vibrant system of masked processionals performed from December 25th to Epiphany (January 6th). More than just a seasonal spectacle, the Wanaragua is a unique synthesis of African, English Mummer's Play, and Amerindian traditions. Discover how Garifuna men use colorful regalia, powerful drumming, and stylized movements to playfully mock and resist past British military...

1 week ago

10 minutes

The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Episode 30 - Traditional Fedu

Send us a text In this episode, host José Francisco Ávila dives deep into the Traditional Fedu, a cornerstone of Garifuna cultural identity and celebration, particularly in New York City. The Fedu, meaning "celebration" or "traditional women's dance," is powered by the fundamental Hüngühüngü rhythms. Listen to learn: The dual role of Fedu as both a communal holiday celebration (Christmas, New Year's) and a spiritual ritual.The three pillars of the Fedu: live drumming (primero, segunda, tercer...

2 weeks ago

7 minutes

The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Episode 29 - Activating the Garifuna Economy: Our #BuyGarifuna Strategy

Send us a text The future of Garifuna prosperity is in our hands! Host José Francisco Ávila lays out a powerful, multi-faceted strategy to champion Garifuna entrepreneurship in NYC and beyond. This episode introduces the #BuyGarifunamovement—more than a hashtag, it's a commitment to creating an economic multiplier effect that builds generational wealth. Learn why Garifuna entrepreneurs face unique hurdles, and discover our ambitious plan to provide solutions: from launching a new Garifuna-Own...

3 weeks ago

12 minutes

The Garifuna Experience Podcast

An Immigrant's Journey 56 Years Later: From Honduras to Boston

Send us a text Join me as I celebrate the 56th anniversary of the Avila family's migration to the United States. In this touching episode, I retrace our steps from December 1969—traveling by train across Honduras and flying into the biting cold of a Boston winter to reunite with my father. We reflect on the "Vision of Tito Avila," my father’s prophetic advice on citizenship, and honor the legacy of our pioneer, Tia Berta. From the 1965 Immigration Reform Act to the modern struggles at the bor...

4 weeks ago

5 minutes

The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Episode 28 - Pororó a Guatemalan Garifuna Tradition

Send us a text Join José Francisco Ávila for a festive exploration of The Pororó, a unique and enduring Guatemalan Garifuna tradition! Discover how the Garifuna community celebrates the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12th with a magnificent three-day festival. We delve into the captivating cultural fusion of the Pororó—from the collective, circle dance accompanied by traditional Garifuna instruments, to the beautiful incorporation of Queqchi indigenous costumes (the huipil and c...

1 month ago

6 minutes

The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Episode 27: Remembering the Great Andy Vivien Palacio

Send us a text This week, we pause to honor the life and profound legacy of a man whose vision, music, and activism continues to shape our identity: Andy Vivien Palacio (1960–2008). Andy was not just an artist; he was a cultural champion whose journey was galvanized by a truly formative experience in the 1980s—a moment he described as a “real wake-up call” when he witnessed the near-disappearance of the Garifuna language in Nicaragua. The Man Who Gave Belize Its 'National Sound' In this episo...

1 month ago

13 minutes

The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Episode 26 - Garifuna Settlement Day in Guatemala

Send us a text Join host José Francisco Ávila for an inspiring journey to the Caribbean coast of Guatemala as we celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day, observed every year on November 26th. This episode honors the historic arrival of the Garifuna people and their enduring legacy in Livingston ("LaBuga"). We explore the profound cultural significance of this national holiday, including the vibrant Yurumein Ceremony, which re-enacts the landing with drums and traditional music on the beach. We also...

1 month ago

9 minutes

The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Garifuna Settlement Day Celebration in Nicaragua

Send us a text Garifuna Settlement Day in Nicaragua: The Legacy of Orinoco and the Sambola Family Join host José Francisco Ávila for a special episode honoring Garifuna Settlement Day in Nicaragua. Celebrated every November 19th since its official recognition by Executive Decree in 2006, this is a story of enduring cultural roots and political achievement. This week, we trace the incredible journey of the Garifuna people: The first documented arrivals in 1830 at Greytown (San Juan del Norte)....

1 month ago

7 minutes

The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Episode 25 - Garifuna Settlement Day Celebration in Belize

Send us a text The Trailblazing Legacy of Thomas Vincent Ramos: The Birth of Garifuna Settlement Day Join host José Francisco Ávila as we trace the incredible historical journey of the Garifuna people—from their forced exile on St. Vincent in 1797 to their resilient settlement across Central America. This episode delves deep into the significance of Garifuna Settlement Day (November 19th in Belize) and the extraordinary life of civil rights activist Thomas Vincent Ramos. Discover how Ramos, a...

1 month ago

7 minutes

The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Episode 24: Garifuna Distinguished Service in the U.S. Military

Send us a text On this Veterans Day episode, host José Francisco Ávila pays tribute to the remarkable, yet often overlooked, legacy of Garifuna soldiers in the U.S. Military. Discover the 200-year warrior tradition of the Garifuna people—from resisting colonial powers in St. Vincent (Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer at the Carib Wars in 1795) and fighting in Central American independence wars (like Juan Francisco Bulnes at the Battle of La Trinidad in 1827) to serving in every major U.S....

2 months ago

11 minutes

The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Episode 23 - Why NYC Garifuna Political Representation Matters

Send us a text The Garifuna community in New York City is on a mission to shift from a community of presence to a community of power. Host José Francisco Ávila dives into the critical importance of increasing Garifuna political visibility and influence, arguing that a seat at the decision-making table is non-negotiable for securing resources and fighting systemic challenges. Hear about the Garifuna political trailblazers—like Rosemary Ordonez-Jenkins and Gustavo Santos—who are opening doors. ...

2 months ago

9 minutes

The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Episode 22 - The History of Garifuna Community Organizing in New York City

Send us a text The Garifuna Experience in NYC Podcast takes you back to the foundation, tracing the evolution of Garifuna civic strength in the diaspora. Host José Francisco Ávila chronicles how our community successfully transformed from informal Hometown Associations to powerful, modern non-profit organizations. What You'll Uncover: The Pioneers: Learn about the earliest formalized groups like The Carib American Association, Inc. (1946), and how the Hometown Associations served as vit...

2 months ago

13 minutes

The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Episode 21 - Beyond the Narrative: The Garifuna American Law Enforcement

Send us a text Episode 21: Beyond the Narrative: The Garifuna American Law Enforcement Association, Inc. Host: José Francisco Ávila The Garifuna Experience in NYC Podcast goes "Beyond the Narrative" to highlight the powerful impact of The Garifuna American Law Enforcement Association, Inc. (GALEA). Join host José Francisco Ávila as he explores how GALEA—a non-profit founded in 2017 by NYPD's Police Officer Jorge Rochez and Detective Sidney Valerio—is changing the landscape of public service i...

2 months ago

8 minutes

The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Episode 20 - Garifuna: A Living Cultural Afro-Indigenous Treasure

Send us a text Episode Description Celebrate International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples with host José Francisco Ávila as we journey into the powerful and persistent world of the Garifuna people. Far more than a historical footnote, the Garifuna are a vibrant Afro-Indigenous treasure and a testament to resilience, born from the unique union of shipwrecked enslaved Africans, Arawaks, and Kalinago in St. Vincent (Yurumein). This episode uncovers: The Epic Saga: Learn about the tragic C...

2 months ago

16 minutes

The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Episode 19 - The Garifuna Educational Journey: From Village Schools to the Doctorate

Send us a text Join host José Francisco Ávila as he explores the profound and inspiring history of Garifuna progress through education. This episode traces the community's journey from the immense sacrifices made by early generations—sending children from remote villages to the city just for a chance to attend school—to the modern-day achievements of Garifuna scholars in the diaspora. Discover: The Unbreakable Value: How the Garifuna people's inherent regard for education fueled their rise to...

3 months ago

17 minutes

The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Episode 18 - Garifuna Literary Arts

Send us a text Host José Francisco Ávila dives deep into the power and necessity of Garifuna Literary Arts. For a people whose history was often deliberately erased from official records, the written word is not just culture—it's reclamation. This episode explores why Garifuna authors must write, moving beyond the centuries-old oral tradition to create a permanent, authentic record. We highlight the pioneers—like Catarino Castro Serrano and Thomas Vincent Ramos—who first took up the pen to ch...

3 months ago

9 minutes

The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Episode 17 - Happy Heavenly 56th Birthday Aurelio Martínez Suazo

Send us a text Join us as we celebrate the life and legacy of a Garifuna icon, the late singer, composer, and politician Aurelio Martínez Suazo, on what would have been his 56th birthday. In this special episode, we explore one of his greatest artistic achievements: his powerful mentorship with West African superstar Youssou N'Dour through the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative. We delve into how this landmark collaboration fulfilled Aurelio's dream of reconnecting Garifuna music with i...

3 months ago

8 minutes

The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Episode 16: Honduras' Independence Historian: Catarino Castro Serrano

Send us a text In this episode, The Garifuna Experience Podcast commemorates the life of Catarino Castro Serrano (1892-1939), a significant figure in Honduran history and the first documented Garifuna intellectual and congressman. Listeners will learn about his major contributions, including: · His landmark book, Honduras in the first century, which provides a critical analysis of the nation's political, cultural, and military life from 1821 to 1921. · &...

3 months ago

11 minutes