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48th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival
May 20, 2017 @ 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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The national award winning Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival has been a tradition in Durham for 47 years. This family oriented event is a celebration of African and African American history, culture, arts, and traditions. Visit the Bimbé History page for information on how the festival has evolved throughout the years.
The Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival was established in honor of the West African festival of harvest and celebration. After the season of harvest, entire villages would gather to give thanks through dance, praise and feasting. The hallmark of the festival is the spirit of sharing as each family or tribe shares its best fruits with the entire village. This tradition continues to be practiced in many villages throughout the Caribbean. It is from the Caribbean that Bimbé came to Durham through the leadership and inspiration of Gaberth St. John, a native of St. Thomas. A key feature of the early Bimbé Festivals was St. John’s drumming and the dancing of young people from Hayti, who usually performed the closing ceremonies by candle light.
Free parking will be available at the Durham County Stadium, 750 Stadium Dr.
Bimbé Weekday Event Schedule
Bimbé Block Party
Wednesday, May 17
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Holton Career and Resource Center, 401 N. Driver St.
Bimbé Basketball Classic
Thursday, May 18
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Southern High School, 800 Clayton Rd. (Gymnasium)
Bimbé Teen Pool Party
Friday, May 19
7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Campus Hills Pool, 2000 S. Alston Ave.