Pinkster Festival

Celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Pinkster at this year’s Pinkster Festival hosted by the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, Van Cortlandt House Museum, and Kingsbridge Historical Society.  Join us on the picturesque lawn of the Van Cortlandt House Museum for a day filled with vibrant festivities, live music, engaging performances, and immersive experiences.

– Live Music with Chief Baba Neil Clarke, Master Percussionist
– Story of Pinkster with the Pinkster Players
– Stories with April Armstrong, Master Storyteller
– Tours and Chats with Carla & Keyes, Interpreters
– Community Art Project with Tijay Mohammed, Artist
PLUS: Food from Voilà Afrique and crafts from African Masidi & Co for sale!

RSVP Suggested.

What is Pinkster?
Pinkster, a variation of the Dutch word Pinksteren, meaning “Pentecost,” was once a major holiday in colonial New York.  The festivities uniquely blended Dutch Christian traditions with African rituals, shaping a distinct cultural celebration for enslaved and free people of African descent.

To learn more about Pinkster watch this video of captivating discussion with local historians, Lavada Nahon and Chief Baba Neil Clarke, as they unravel the significance of Pinkster, exploring its cultural, social, and historical importance.

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.