Hudson Valley Sojourner

Pinkster is a celebration of spring, family, culture, and resistance. It features live music, dance, games, crafts, food, vendors, history, and more—all free for everyone!

Pinkster, meaning Pentecost in Dutch, is a religious holiday that celebrates spring and a time when people would visit family. In the New Netherland Colony, it evolved into a distinct Afro-Dutch celebration, marking a week of temporary freedom for enslaved individuals. During this time, they could travel, earn income, and gather in groups, allowing them to break from relentless labor, reconnect with family, preserve culture, and resist enslavement. This event honors African culture in America and acknowledges New York’s unique heritage!

For the third consecutive year, the Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site honors Pinkster with a Jubilee, featuring live performances from Chief Baba Niel Clark & the Pinkster Players, Carla, and Keyes. Attendees can enjoy free children’s activities, crafts, games, and shop from vendors offering African and African-American gifts, art, food, and more.