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.

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.

12PM Tours

1PM Live Music

2PM Storytelling

3PM The Story of Pinkster

4PM Libations at the Enslaved African Burial Ground

• Chief Baba Neil Clarke, Master Percussionist 
• The Pinkster Players 
• April Armstrong, Master Storyteller 
• Tijay Mohammed, Artist 

PLUS: Food for sale! Art-Making!

WHAT IS PINKSTER?

Once a major holiday in 17th century New York, Pinkster is the Dutch name for the Christian event of Pentecost.

For enslaved and free people of African descent, Pinkster morphed into a unique holiday that incorporated African rituals, traditions, and pride. It is considered New York’s first African American holiday!

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.

Supported by:

NYC Councilmember Eric Dinowitz
NYC Department of Cultural Affairs
NYC Department of Youth and Community Development
NYS Council on the Arts

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.

This event is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

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Host or Publisher Van Cortlandt Park Alliance