The Lavagem Celebration: Wisdom of Our Elders

In partnership with Bloco Afro Ayédùn, the Lavagem Celebration in Charlotte is a four-day cultural community event that integrates African-Brazilian and international Indigenous traditions. This year's theme is the "Wisdom of Our Elders." It includes dance, music, and educational workshops that highlight African-Brazilian, Indigenous, and African diasporic cultural practices.

The celebration fosters community engagement and cross-cultural exchange, offering 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 pm - 2:15 pm
Silvestre Dance Technique with founder, Rosangela Silvestre

2:30 pm - 3:15 pm
Talk with elder Mainha da Bahia

3:15 pm - 4:45 pm
Symbology of the Orixa Dances workshop

See more details about this 4-day celebration here.

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, we will also address social issues such racism, disenfranchisement in education, employment, health, and other concerns for Black and brown peoples. Learn more about Bloco Afro Ayédùn at movingspirits.org.