The Lavagem Celebration: O Tambor Que Toca

This year's theme is "O Tambor Que Toca" (The Drum that Speaks) and the event integrates African-Brazilian and international Indigenous traditions. It includes dance, music, and educational workshops that highlight African-Brazilian, Indigenous, and African diasporic cultural practices.

The celebration is a platform for community engagement and cross-cultural exchange that offering participants a chance to learn and experience traditional dances and music, performances, and artistic expressions with master teachers from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Guests can join in on the dance workshops and/or enjoy the performances. It is a celebration for the entire family!

The celebration is inspired by the traditional Lavagem do Bonfim in Brazil, a cleansing ritual that symbolizes spiritual renewal and unity. Although it is not mandatory, and all guests are encouraged to join, we ask participants to wear all white, and/or comfortable clothes and shoes for movement. Please also bring water bottles to stay hydrated.

Please stay tuned for the program schedule, coming soon.

About Bloco Afro Ayédùn

Ayédùn means "life is sweet" in the Yoruba language. A Bloco Afro is a community organization that reinforces pride in African heritage and culture through music, dance, songs, cooking, education, and more. As a Bloco Afro, we will also address social issues such racism, disenfranchisement in education, employment, health, and other concerns for Black and brown peoples. Learn more about Bloco Afro Ayédùn at movingspirits.org.

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Host or Publisher Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture