A wide variety of styles are prevalent in Honduras, from Caribbean dances such as reggaeton and merengue which are popular in the north, to Mexican rancheras in more rural parts. The punta, traditionally a courtship dance, is Honduras' most well-known dance, and has its origins in West Africa, amongst the Yoruba tribes. After the punta, the most prevalent folk dances are the ones practiced by the Garifuna, the Lenca and the Miskito Indians.
The different indigenous populations inhabit different regions of the country; therefore, styles of dance vary according to location. The Garifuna live along the entire length of the coastline and practice the punta and the wanaragua. Lenca people live in Southwestern Honduras, and have a traditional folk dance called guancasco, which is performed for the patron saint of the town once a year, while Miskito Indians live on the northeast border with Nicaragua and have a particular style which is performed during Christmas celebrations called tambakus.
Honduras has adopted various dances over the years, often due to political reasons. The Garifuna first arrived in Honduras after being exiled from Saint Vincent in 1797, bringing with them the famous punta. The merengue, which originated in the Dominican Republican, and other popular Latin dances began to emerge in Honduras after Central America gained independence from Spain in 1821. A festival celebrating the culture of the continent took place, highlighting dances from the surrounding countries. In the '90s, reggaeton, a modern fusion of reggae, hip-hop and dancehall, started to gain popularity.
Most indigenous dances have a strong historical meaning. The wanaragua is a warrior dance dating back to when the Garifuna people first populated Saint Vincent. The dance tells the story of the Garifuna soldiers disguising themselves as women to avoid being attacked by British troops. As such, the men performing the dance dress in women's clothing. It is still performed in Honduras every Christmas, and dancers visit the homes of people who have agreed to host them, as onlookers toss money in their direction.
The punta has changed considerably over time. It originally consisted of a dance between a man and a woman, where they attempted to outdo each other by shaking their hips and moving their feet to the beat of a drum. Its sensual element meant it was thought inappropriate for children; however, nowadays it is not uncommon for them to take part. Men used to be the only drummers, yet more women are playing this role today.