By Belize Live News Staff: Frank Palacio, a prominent Belizean author and cultural promoter, has published his first book in Spanish, Lengua Materna Garifuna. This new release follows the success of his English-language book, Garifuna Mother Tongue, which received widespread acclaim, earning over 25 five-star reviews on Amazon.
Palacio revealed that his inspiration for the Spanish edition came from a vivid dream featuring his late mother. In the dream, she appeared wearing a crown and dressed in white, encouraging him to create a Spanish version of his popular book. “My mother told me, ‘Write this beautiful book in Spanish.’ I knew I had to listen,” Palacio explained.
Garifuna Culture at the Heart of the Book
Both versions of the book honor Palacio’s parents, Bridget and Henry Palacio, who were leaders in the Garifuna movement and co-founders of Garifuna choirs in Belize and Los Angeles. Together with his sister and literary agent, Angela Palacio, Frank continues to preserve and promote Garifuna identity through his work.
The book features over 50 influential Garifuna figures, including lawyers, musicians, politicians, athletes, and actors from Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and the United States. It also serves as a language guide, providing Garifuna phrases and vocabulary for beginners, scholars, and non-Garifuna speakers.
The book emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the endangered Garifuna language, which UNESCO designated a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001.
A Lifelong Passion for Spanish
Palacio’s journey to writing in Spanish began in childhood, inspired by his cousin Tony Enriquez, who spoke Garifuna, Creole, and Spanish fluently. Palacio pursued his passion through formal education, studying Spanish at St. John’s College and Belize Technical College. He later became a certified Spanish teacher in Los Angeles.
“People call me ‘Black Spanish’ because they’re often surprised to hear me speak fluent Spanish,” Palacio said with a laugh. “But learning languages comes naturally to the Garifuna people. Many of us worked in Spanish-speaking communities across Belize in the 60s, 70s, and 80s.” He also pointed out that many Garifuna last names, such as Castillo, Arana, and Enriquez, have Spanish roots.
Social Media as a Tool for Connection
Beyond his writing, Palacio uses social media to connect with people worldwide, describing it as an essential part of his mission to educate and unite communities. He is active in several Belizean Facebook groups and serves as the spokesperson for the Garifuna Museum of Los Angeles.
“For me, Facebook is like a city larger than Belize, filled with people I can engage with,” he explained. “I’ve wished people happy birthday every day for 15 years, even strangers. It’s my way of paying forward the kindness I’ve received.”
New Release Timed for Birthday Celebration
Palacio, who has authored more than ten books and owns Belizeobama Publishing, strategically timed the release of Lengua Materna Garifuna to coincide with his 64th birthday on October 19. With his wide social media following, he hopes the new release will become a bestseller alongside Garifuna Mother Tongue.
The books are available on Amazon and at www.frankpalacio.com. Palacio encouraged readers to support his latest literary endeavor, saying, “Do unto others as you would have it done unto you.”
Belizeans and Garifuna supporters are invited to celebrate his birthday by helping his books become top sellers, bringing Garifuna culture to a broader audience.
