Van Cortlandt Park

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. 

• 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 and crafts for sale!

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.