Sou Sou! Saturdays: Celebrating Gede & Dia de Los Muertos

Across the Diaspora, our traditions consistently prioritize honoring our ancestors in song, dance, storytelling, and altar-making.

This November installment of our family-based art education program Sou Sou! Saturdays will explore the deep cultural connections between Haitian and Mexican traditions, highlighting how communities across the African and Indigenous Diasporas come together to honor the spirits of those who came before us. 

Through workshops led by Kriyol Collective and Yolie Leon families of all ages will experience the shared rituals of reverence, resilience, and remembrance that unite the Haitian tradition of Fêt Gede and Mexican tradition of Dia de Los Muertos. 

November 2, 2024

Noon - 6 PM

CCCADI Firehouse 

120 E 125th Street

NY, NY 10035

There is no cost to attend this event. Space is limited, registration is strongly suggested. Attendees will be able to view the current exhibition, BYENVENI. 

Workshops:

Día de Los Muertos - Mexican Day of the Dead Traditions

Led by Yolie Leon

Explore the Aztec origins of this sacred celebration by learning about calaveras, Catrina face-painting, and building altars to honor your loved ones. 

Nuit Racine - Haitian Roots Ancestral Gede Traditions

Led by Kriyol Collective

Tap into the Haitian tradition of honoring our past loved ones through dance, song, and drumming.

About the Facilitators:

• Yolie Leon is a culture bear that maintains Mexican altar-making traditions, calavera face painting and Catrina dressing. She's been part of many celebrations throughout the area in the spirit of educating folks on the deep traditions of Dia de Los Muertos and ofrendas. 

• Kriyol Collective LLC is a Brooklyn-based action group working at the intersection of arts practices rooted in oral history and movement, public health, and community organizing. The group offers consulting services in strategic planning, programmatic support, and creative ideation to artists, art organizations, grassroots groups, nonprofits, and other community stakeholders, while also creating original performance works focused on the preservation of Black diasporic culture and Haitian culture through its antecedent Kriyol Dance!

Host or Publisher CARIBBEAN CULTURAL CENTER AFRICAN DIASPORA INST.