Local Life
BELIZE
Hopkins Village
Hopkins Village is a Garifuna village on the coast of the Stann Creek District in Belize.
The town hosts its own holiday, Hopkins Day, and welcomes people for their celebration on Garifuna Independence Day as well. They do this with drum ceremonies that can last until the early hours of the morning.
The village is separated into two parts; the Northside (Baila) and the Southside (False Sittee). Hopkins is surrounded by the Maya Mountains and the Cockscomb Range inland, and the Caribbean Sea on its shore. It is also very close to the Sittee River.
Today Hopkins is a small but vibrant community of approximately 2,000 villagers and 500+ expats. The people live mostly by farming and fishing, and more recently many have found work in the growing tourist industry. The residents are known for their friendliness and genuine hospitality, and welcome visitors to their village. Hopkins has a selection of gift shops, restaurants and small bars. Hopkins was recently voted “The Friendliest Village in Belize” by Belize First Magazine.
There are several grocery stores in the village, plus local vegetable/fruit vendors. You can also rent a vehicle in the village or a golf cart to get around. There is a pharmacy in Hopkins village. There is also a medi-clinic in Hopkins. The closest hospital is in Dangriga (25 minutes via car).
