The new Tela Museum is all about the rich banana republic heritage of Tela and Honduras. Tela was the headquarters of the Tela Railroad Company, which was a subsidiary of the United Fruit Company between 1914 and 1977, when they moved to La Lima, just outside of San Pedro Sula. Ever since my first visit to Tela, many years ago, …
Continue readingGuifity, a Traditional Garifuna Beverage
Have you ever heard about guifity? It is a traditional Garifuna alcoholic beverage that is readily available throughout the Garifuna Villages in Honduras. It is more prevalent in Atlantida, because there are many Garifuna Villages in this destination. Within the Tela Bay you can find a total of 6 Garifuna villages. These are Rio Tinto, Miami, Tornabe, San Juan, La …
Continue readingHonduran Baleadas
If you are out to find the most Honduran of foods, you will end up the traditional Honduran baleadas. You might not know it, but baleadas were born in Atlantida. Indeed, the first baleadas were served on the streets of La Ceiba! You will hear natives of San Pedro Sula claim that they invented the baleadas, but this is not …
Continue readingBanco Atlantida was born in La Ceiba!
The year was 1913. La Ceiba was the fastest growing city in Honduras. The Vacaro Brothers Company was growing and its banana exports to the US were on the rise. Yet, Honduras was undeveloped and lacked the proper tools for economic growth. For one there were no banks in Honduras. The Vacaro Brothers Company decided to solve this problem and …
Continue readingThe Swinford Park in La Ceiba
The Swinford Park in La Ceiba is one of two green areas in La Ceiba where you can a strong heritage left by the banana company. The other area is the old botanical garden which is now home to the Credia. While the Swinford Park is downtown, the Botanical Garden is the Naranjal residential area. The Swinford Park is within …
Continue readingA Unique Train Ride in Atlantida!
In the past, railroads where the reliable form of transportation along the north coast of Honduras. They were the backbone of the economy and developed the Caribbean Coast in Honduras. Cities like San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba grew and become economically active thanks to the railroads. Sadly, today there is not much left of them other than photographs. There …
Continue readingGarifuna Traditions
Perhaps the best way to experience Garifuna traditions is by visiting their communities during their local fairs. These traditions are very interesting and unique. There are two Garifuna traditions that seem to be present within all the Garifuna festivities. These are the Barbaric Indian and the Yancunu or Mascaros dance. The Barbaric Indian was originally celebrated around Christmas time. Today, …
Continue readingFlo’s Atlantida Adventures: Discovering Cayos Cochinos
Hey guys! Get ready for one of my most exciting outings: the famous Cayos Cochinos. If you have no idea what I’m talking about here’s a bit of a background; it’s part of the second largest coral reef in the world; the Mesoamerican reef. It consists of two main islands and 13 cays. So with high hopes for the afternoon I …
Continue readingSpecial events in Tela
Special events in Tela offer the perfect excuse for a visit to this city. Of course, one of the main ingredients that provides this informal, love for parties is the Garifuna Culture. Any young Garifuna kid can turn an old can or bucket into a drum and set up a dancing scene without previous notice! Following is a list of …
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