Next Saturday, February 13 from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., the Newark Museum of Art presents Community Day: Celebrating Carnival.
Celebrating Carnival is a day-long virtual exploration of the traditions of Carnival from Europe to Central and South America. You can learn how this ancient tradition has evolved with each culture that has adopted the celebration.
Beginning at 10 a.m., guests can learn about the history and origins of Carnival, “the world’s oldest party”, and how it has evolved through contributions from different global cultures with food, art, music and dance. From Carnival street cuisine to Brazilian-style dances and Italy’s Tale of Masks, this is the perfect time to engage in exciting experiences with the family.
“Carnival is one of the most colorful cultural events celebrated around the world, and particularly, in Newark by the city’s large Brazilian, Haitian and Caribbean communities. The Newark Museum of Art is thrilled to present virtual activities highlighting the many ways different countries honor their local cultures,” said Silvia Filippini Fantoni, PhD, Deputy Director Learning & Engagement, at The Newark Museum of Art. “We look forward to exploring new and old Carnival traditions with our audiences”.
All programs are offered in English with Portuguese vocabulary sprinkled throughout.
Here are details on the full day of activities:
Story Time Live: Dance Along to Carnival, 10 a.m.
Recommended for ages 3-8
Join the Van Buren branch of the Newark Public Library for an adventure through the sights and sounds of Carnival with a reading of Nini at Carnival. Then learn some simple samba steps with the Afro Brazilian Cultural Center of New Jersey.
Click here to register.
Venice and its Carnival: A Tale of Masks, Noon
Recommended for all ages
Join Ca’ Macana from Venice, Italy, for the fascinating history of the Venetian Carnival, the stories of famed masks, and a demonstration of traditional plaster mask making.
Click here to register.
Carnival: Brazilian-style with Samba and Capoeira, 2 p.m.
Recommended for all ages
Join us to experience the Afro-Brazilian folkloric dances of samba and capoeira, a martial art that combines dance, music and acrobatics. Each performance includes live percussion and traditional instruments for an exciting and engaging experience. In partnership with the Afro Brazilian Cultural Center of New Jersey.
Click here to register.
Carnival Street Food with Auntie Wendy, 3:30 p.m.
Recommended for all ages
Does thinking about Carnival make your mouth water? Join Chef Wendy Regisford from Auntie Wendy’s Food Catering in her kitchen as she shows us how to recreate Caribbean Carnival street foods at home. Watch as she creates jerk chicken, bake and shark sandwiches, and for dessert, pholourie.
Click here to register.
Caribbean Beats with Marcy DePina, 7 p.m.
Recommended for ages 16+
Tonight we travel to the Caribbean! DJ Marcy DePina will lead you on a Carnival adventure through the sounds and movement that make this celebration so much fun.
Experience a Carnival dance from the Dominican Republic with Deborah Fogo, then travel to Trinidad to marvel at stilt dancing with Kaisokah Moko Jumbies, and finish your adventure with a stop in Haiti with amazing dancer and musician Romainson Romain.
Click here to register.
Masquerade Mask Making
Recommended for all ages
Join the celebration with your own Carnival masquerade mask. Simply print and cut it out, then start decorating using the suggested patterns, designs and materials. Make it special to you and share it with #NMOAathome.
Click here to download the instructions.
Support for Community Day comes from The Horizon Foundation of New Jersey with additional funding from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
