The Down Home Family Reunion, a celebration of African American
folklife, is designed to interactively demonstrate cultural
traditions of West Africa that have influenced the lifestyles
of African Americans and the American South. The dates for this year's
Down Home Family Reunion are August 15 - 16, 2008.
Celebrating its 18th year, the Down Home Family Reunion's 2-day event
includes our kicking off a celebration of
culture and stimulating dialogue through various art forms which may
include visual arts, film, music, poetry, and more. A full day on
Saturday is the traditional free family festival. Downtown Richmond
comes alive with families and friends enjoying local and
national entertainment, a heritage crafts market, interactive folkloric
demonstrations, and delicious down home foods and beverages.
The Down Home Family Reunion attracts nearly 25,000 people each year.
Held during the third weekend each August, festival goers come from
around the country and enjoy. The complete Press Kit with all
of the details about this year's two days of activities will be posted here as soon as we have the information.
18th Annual Down Home Family Reunion, August 15-16, 2008
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The Capital City Kwanzaa Festival embodies the principles of the
Kwanzaa holiday. This year end celebration features performances,
special children's activities, discussion groups and The African
Market of eclectic merchandise and African-inspired cuisine.
2008 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival, December 27, 2008
Kwanzaa, a seven-day
holiday, is a family and community strengthening
observance based on traditional African harvest festivals. The word
Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanzaa"
(mah-TOON-dah ya KWAHN-zah) which means "first fruits of the harvest."
Celebrated by an estimated 15 million people December 26-January 1,
Kwanzaa is a time of thanksgiving for the accomplishments of the year ending
(or the fruits of our labor) while projecting new growth
into the year ahead. For African Americans, it is a time for
reaffirming the holistic value system of African heritage,
for paying homage to ancestors and elders. It is also a time for
enjoying the blessings of the children while preparing them for
the future.
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Mark your calendar for this year's
Juneteenth, A Freedom Celebration, June 28, 2008
18th Annual Down Home Family Reunion, August 15-16, 2008
Capital City Kwanzaa Festival
2008 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival, December 27, 2008
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