Pinkster Celebration Set for African Burial Ground National Monument, 5/25

A Pinkster Celebration will be held at the African Burial Ground National Monument on Saturday, May 25, 2013, from 11 to 1 p.m. (the even was rescheduled from the 21st, due to rain).

Pinkster is derived from the Dutch word "Pinksteren" which means Pentecost or the seventh Sunday after Easter in remembrance of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles that gave them the "gift of tongues."

Pinkster was a religious holiday and was also associated with the change of the season to spring. Today,Pinkster is recognized as the oldest African American holiday of the original thirteen colonies that became the United States of America.

Learn more about the origins and history of Pinkster during a special outdoor celebration at the African Burial Ground National Monument Memorial Saturday, May 25 from 11 until 1PM.

The Pinkster Committee of New York invites the general public to a spectacular program featuring a lecture, St. Mary's Choice Voices of God Choir, reading of several proclamations, pouring of libations, laying of flowers on the burial mounds, and more!

Since the 1970s, efforts have been made to resurrect Pinkster festivals in New York and throughout the surrounding areas. Celebrate New York's vibrant African American history and culture at one of New York City's most sacred sites.

*The rain date for the Pinkster celebration is Saturday May 25.

African Burial Ground National Monument Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10AM to 4PM. The memorial is open seven days a week, 9AM to 5PM. African Burial Ground National Monument is closed to the public on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

The Pinkster Celebration will take place at the outdoor memorial located at the corner of Duane Street and African Burial Ground Way, formerly Elk Street.

For more information: Call (212) 637-2019, or go to: www.nps.gov/afbg, www.twitter.com/AFBurialGrndNPS, or www.facebook.com/AfricanBurialGround

Photo Credit: Lorrie Morrison