Influence of Education on

Mestizo Culture

EDUC 3101:Presenters:

Miriam JuarezSamantha Munoz

Elvira MejiaCarolina Rash

Who are the Mestizos?First Mestizos came from the union between

a Spanish shipwrecked sailor by the name of Gonzalo Guerrero and his Maya wife, Sasil Ha, daughter of Nachan Can, a Maya leader of Chetumal.

First major arrival of Mestizo in Belize- Caste War(1848-1852) in Yucatan

Traditional Way of LifeReligious traditionse.gFinados, Semana SantaBenque Fiesta,CarnavalMusic comes basically from the marimba, but they

also serenade with the guitar. Dances performed at village fiestas include the Mestizada, the Hog-Head, Zapateados, Jarana, Cuadriz, and Paso Doble

Mestizo culture was unique in its regard for close family ties with strict rules of courtship and marriage

Food- mix of Maya and Spanish cuisine with corn playing a major roleFolklore- Ixtabay, La Llorana, Semite,Tataduende

Socio-Cultural InfluenceMestizo’s have influenced society through theirLarge ethnic group: 48% of Belizean populationSugar cane industry: Help Belize’s economyFood: tamales, bollos, tamalitos, panades,

garnachas along with other tasty foods such as relleno negro, chilmole, and escabeche

Religion: Majority of Mestizo populaceis Roman CatholicLanguage: “Spanish” spoken by other ethnic groups

Spanish is now the mother-tongue of over 40 percent of Belizeans.

EducationPast

Present

Charles B.Green (1988) Spanish speakers, Maya,

other minority groups were among the lower income grouping and with educational disadvantages.

Language barrier since English was language of instruction.

More non-English pupils were entering the schools due to immigration.

Prediction was made: “Spanish speaking population will outnumber Creole or English speakers.”

Charles C. Rutheiser(1991)

Mestizo population did not begin to emphasize the value of post primary education for the children until the sugar boom (1960’s and 1970’s)

More Mestizo’s attended schools beyond primary level.

Careers: Doctors, teachers, nurses, technicians…

Impact of EducationSystem of formal education has been criticised for

paving the way to modernization.To be able to speak Spanish in school is important. It is

also a requirement for some jobs.Selene Solis : “The decline of Mestizo tradition is due

to modernization, religion, migration and education”.ON WAY OF LIFEThe women wear modern western-type clothes today,

but in the past dressed in huipils, fanciful hats and elaborate jewellery. The men also dress in modern clothes.

Some Mestizo’s have become Evangelical ProtestantsSpeaking English and Spanish (Espanglish)in homes

INTERVIEW

ReferencesGreen, C.B. (1988). Belizean Education Sector

Assessment. Belize: Academy for Educational Development and USA ID

Rutheiser ,C. C. (1991). Culture Schooling and Neocolonialism in Belize. Michigan, USA: University Microfilms International

Solis. S. Research Assisstant. Institute for Social and Cultural Research. Personal Interview. August 29,2014.

Guerra. F. Retired Teacher. Personal interview. August 30, 2014

END OF PRESENTATION

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