LAVAGEM PHILADELPHIA

Lavagem Philly 2026

April 18–19 | PhiladelphiaLavagem is not a performance to watch from the sidelines. It is a gathering. A practice of care. A way of coming together through rhythm, movement, and collective intention. Rooted in Afro-Bahian traditions of cleansing and preparation, Lavagem invites people to tend to shared space—physically and communally.In April 2026, PHonk!Philly is honored to host Lavagem Philadelphia for the first time and to welcome Afro-Bahian Master Teachers whose work carries these traditions forward. Over two days, artists and community members share space, knowledge, and tradition—building something shaped by presence, participation, and care, something that belongs to the people in it.This work grows through showing up, listening, and learning together. It takes form through shared rhythm and movement.

Registration link: https://tinyurl.com/4mx8xjxk

Cost: Free

Saturday, April 18, 2026

11:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Location: Hawthorne Cultural Center – 1200 Carpenter St, Philadelphia, PA

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Welcome & Opening

Intros: Tamara Williams, Luciano Xavier Da Silva, Elaine Smith Holton

Opening Ritual & Musical Invocation: Tamara Williams & Luciano Xavier Da Silva

11:45 AM – 1:00 PM

Mestra Fonseca — Dança Afro

1:15 PM – 2:45 PM

Luciano Xavier Da Silva — Candomblé Rhythms

3:00-3:30 PM Break

3:45 PM – 5:00 PM

Zé Ricardo — Samba de Caboclos

5:15 PM – 6:30 PM

Mestra Oliveira — Danças dos Blocos Afros

6:30PM – 6:45 PM

Community Reflection & Announcements

Lavagem Philadelphia – Day 2

Cost: $25 per class- intermediate to advanced

12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Hawthorne Cultural Center

12:00 PM – 1:15 PM

Tamara Williams — Silvestre Technique

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Luciano Xavier Da Silva — Timbal

3:15 PM – 4:30 PM

Mestra Oliveira — Danças dos Blocos Afros

4:45 PM – 6:00 PM

Zé Ricardo — Bahian Ensemble

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Mestra Fonseca — Dança Afro

7:00-8:00 PM

Closing Celebration

Samba de Roda, Food & Beverages

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher PHonk!Philly