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Storytelling is a tradition deeply rooted in Garífuna way of life. Older generations told stories of past injustices and triumphs to give courage in the face of hardships. Stories were a way to impart wisdom and guide the moral behavior of younger generations. They were a way of paying homage to Garífuna ancestors and strengthening community relations. These stories were passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth.

Today, they form the collective memory of the Garífuna people. Nowadays, storytelling often takes place at Garífuna wakes or burial ceremonies. Many fear this custom will be lost because storytellers, known in Garífuna as urugas, are disappearing.

Scholars now study these stories to gain insight into Garífuna history. They often contradict written documents of the time. This raises the question what is true history? How has history been colored by different authors' prejudices?