Yanvalou

Haiti’s cultural heritage is ripe with rituals that celebrate African Deities. A Caribbean nation with ancestors predominantly for Dahomey (Benin), Haitians are intensely wedded to religiosity that is intrinsically linked to Voodoo.

Yanvalou is a rhythm within the practices associated with Vodoou. It will share and turn our gaze upon a sacred unflinching Afro-Caribbean rhythm and dance that is associated with this religion. This program will include the use of sequined flags, sacred bottles, beaded rattles, dolls, drums and dance. An altar will be re-created for the event to exhibit offerings to the snake spirit Damballah. There is a duality to this spirit which will be demonstrated. Yanvalou will also feature a conversation that dive into the value of folk traditions to immigrant groups with specificity to Haiti and the sacred arts of Vodoou. Also on view will be a Cosmogram, locally referred to as Veve. Yanavlou and Vodoou are connected to the same spirit of the African Diasporic dynamics; the power of cultural heritage - commemoration of identity and traditions.

The event will last one hour and thirty minutes. Program opens with a 3-4 minutes dance to pay homage to the Black Lives Matter Movement. After the dance will be a percussion interlude and song followed by offerings placed on the altar (Male and Female Reps). Next will be the drum and dance associated with the deity. This is book-ended with an interview with American native and Drummer, Morgan Zwerlein who performs internationally with Haiti’s Zing Experience.

#culturematters #ayiti #caribbeanculture #rituals #folktraditions