Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - Pinkster Festival is on Saturday, May 3, 2025

 

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. 

  

Live Music with Chief Baba Neil Clarke, Master Percussionist 

Story of Pinkster with the Pinkster Players 

Stories with April Armstrong, Master Storyteller 

Tours with Carla & Keyes, History Interpreters 

Make Art with Tijay Mohammed, Artist 

Afro-Dutch Cooking Demonstration with Cheyney McKnight 

PLUS: African food from Voila Afrique and crafts for sale! 

RSVP Now.

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. 

Our Contact Information
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
718-601-1460
http://vancortlandt.org