The Lavagem Celebration: O Tambor Que Toca

In partnership with Bloco Afro Ayédùn, the Lavagem Celebration in Charlotte, NC, is a four-day cultural community event. This year's theme is "O Tambor Que Toca" (The Drum that Speaks) and the event integrates African-Brazilian and international Indigenous traditions. It includes dance, music, and educational workshops that highlight African-Brazilian, Indigenous, and African diasporic cultural practices.

The celebration is a platform for community engagement and cross-cultural exchange that offers participants a chance to learn and experience traditional dances and music, performances, and artistic expressions with master teachers from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Guests can join in on the dance workshops and/or enjoy the performances. It is a celebration for the entire family!

The celebration is inspired by the traditional Lavagem do Bonfim in Brazil, a cleansing ritual that symbolizes spiritual renewal and unity. Although it is not mandatory, and all guests are encouraged to join, we ask participants to wear all white, and/or comfortable clothes and shoes for movement. Please also bring water bottles to stay hydrated.

Program Schedule

1:15 pm - 2:30 pm
Danca das Blocos Afros

2:45 pm - 4 pm
Danca Afro

4:15 pm - 5 pm
Performances

Ayédùn means life is sweet in the Yoruba language. A Bloco Afro is a community organization that reinforces pride in African heritage and culture through music, dance, songs, cooking, education, and more. As a Bloco Afro, they address social issues such racism, disenfranchisements in education, employment, health, and other concerns for Black and brown peoples.

Learn more about Bloco Afro Ayédùn at movingspirits.org.