Name: Afro-Caribbean Folklore Celebration
Start: 2024-02-17T17:00:00-05:00
End: 2024-02-17T21:00:00-05:00
Location: Burnaby Hall

February

17th

at

5:00pm

Afro-Caribbean Folklore Celebration

This Black History Month celebration of art and culture in Edmonds, Burnaby is free and open to all.

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ABOUT THE EVENT

Join us for an Afro-Caribbean celebration filled with thought-provoking conversations, captivating performances, and delectable food.

Performers such as the Edmonds Dance Group, Elegancia Cubana Dance Group, and Lili Flamenco will take you on a journey through the vibrant rhythms of the Caribbean. Our very own DJ Sanchez from Cuba will keep the energy soaring with a fantastic selection of beats, and the evening will close with an electrifying performance by the African Masters.

But this event is not just about entertainment. It's a call for change. Come and be a part of our mission to learn from the past and pave the way for a future free from marginalization, inequality, hunger, and poverty. Let's come together and create a society where everyone has equal opportunities and access to a better tomorrow.

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of the Afro-Caribbean community in Edmonds as we explore the past, embrace the present, and co-create an equitable future for all.

This event is free and open to all, so mark your calendars and join us!

LOCATION

EVENT SCHEDULE

Saturday

,

February

17th

5:00pm

to

9:00pm

Check-in

4:30pm

Doors will open for event check-in.

Welcome

5:00pm

Doris, founder of Alegría Soy, and guest speakers welcome all to this event.

Guest Speakers

5:30pm

UBC professor Dr. Arturo Victoriano-Martínez, and educator Dr. Joann Anokwuru will lead this educational component.

Performances

6:30pm

Dance and musical performances from the Las Divinas Dance Group, Elegancia Cubana Dance Group, and Lili Flamenco.

Dinner

7:20pm

A vegetarian feast will be served.

Performance

8:20pm

Musical performance from African Masters.

Event Ends

9:00pm

We close the evening with gratitude!

COMMIT TO "BRING YOUR OWN CUP" TO THIS EVENT!

SPEAKERS AND ARTISTS

Arturo Victoriano-Martínez

Arturo Victoriano-Martínez was born in the Dominican Republic, and is an Assistant Professor of Spanish at the University of British Columbia.

His areas of research are the literatures and cultures of the Hispanic Caribbean with an emphasis on issues of race, gender, diaspora and national belonging.

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Joann Anokwuru (she/her)

With over 28 years of teaching experience as a special educator, Joann wants to see school systems where people with disabilities are given access to learning, sharing and being. Joann is the coordinator and teacher for Gateway to Adulthood, a Learning district program, Vancouver School Board.

Las Divinas Dance Group

The Edmonds Las Divinas Dance Group is a captivating ensemble that uses the power of dance to advocate for social justice. With vibrant energy and mesmerizing moves, this talented group will be performing to the spirited beats of Mangulina and Palos, evoking the compelling cultures of the Caribbean and Africa.

Elegancia Cubana

Elegancia Cubana is a dance group created in 2018 by the professional dancer, choreographer, and top ten Latin Award nominee Yula V, with the purpose of spreading her beautiful culture and to keep the traditional Cuban dances alive.

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Lili Flamenco

Liat Har lev/ Lili Flamenco is a Flamenco dancer, performer, and teacher who has been performing and teaching flamenco for the community, cultural and flamenco festivals, as well as private events and small theatre venues across the Lower Mainland.

IG | FB

Ricardo Hernandez

Ricardo Hernandez is an emerging visual artist born in the Dominican Republic. Aside from being an architect by profession he is also deeply passionate about the power of art to, inspire, and provoke. His artwork serves as a medium to shed light on the past while envisioning a future of equality and respect for all individuals.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I get there by public transportation?

This will vary depending on where you're coming from. Click on this website to help you figure out the best route.

Is there parking at the venue?

There are 10 parking spots at the side of the building, and the underground lot has about 55 spots.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Burnaby Hall is wheelchair-accessible. There is a ramp into the building on the ground level, and through underground parking. There is an elevator, as well as an accessible bathroom.

Are children welcome?

Yes! We are unable to provide child-minding services, but we will have tables, chairs, and activities on one side of the space where families can sit with their young ones.

INTERESTED IN MORE BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS?

Alegría Soy has partnered with the City of Burnaby, Culture Chats BC Association, and Harmony for All to offer additional workshops during the month of February. The events are free, but registration is required so be sure to save your spot!

https://www.burnaby.ca/recreation-and-arts/events/edmonds-black-history-month

OUR INVALUABLE SUPPORTERS AND PARTNERS

ABOUT ALEGRIA SOY CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY SOCIETY

Alegría Soy, which means "I am happiness" in Spanish, is a non-profit that is committed to the pursuit of social justice through the celebration of arts and culture.

We live and work in Edmonds, Burnaby, the ancestral and unceded homelands of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking peoples.

Learn more and get involved by contacting us.

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