Pinkster

Storytelling ∙ Drumming ∙ dance ∙ Historic Performances ∙ vendors ∙ Food

Free Family Event

Saturday June 3, 2023, 11am-4pm at Schuyler mansion

Pinkster – Once a Dutch observance of Pentecost, Pinkster became a distinctly African celebration through which enslaved and free Africans maintained familial & community ties, traditions, and connections to African culture. Their struggle to retain the right to attend and celebrate Pinkster represents the determination with which Africans in America preserved their culture, relationships and humanity in the face of slavery. People used this holiday to visit friends and family, exchange goods in central markets, and practice African traditions that kept their cultures alive. It was also an opportunity for creating new traditions; under the cover of general festivities, enslaved communities found ways to mock their captors. They taunted the upper-class clothing and behavior of European colonists, and elected a Pinkster “King” from their community who presided over Pinkster celebrations while dressed in the style of an army officer. Pinkster speeches, storytelling, and songs gave voice to collective anger, strength, and perseverance. Dance was an integral part of this expression.

During Pinkster, laws regulating the movements and the size of gatherings of the enslaved were relaxed, and people traveled miles, often on foot, to attend. Pinkster celebrations in Albany took place on Pinkster Hill, the current location of the State’s Capital. Pinkster was also celebrated in New York City, Kingston, on Long Island and in Northern New Jersey. Out from under the watchful eyes and strict control of their enslavers, people could relax and express themselves using traditions from West and Central African cultures. Newspaper accounts describe the sounds of African drums, African languages being spoken, of traditional dances, games, and other entertainments. While some Native peoples and European colonists participated, the organization of the gatherings and the styles of celebration were driven by the Africans.

Although Pinkster celebrations lasted well into the 19th century, by the end of the 18th century, there were concerns about the large gatherings of enslaved and free Africans and African descendants in Albany. As a result, the event was banned by the Albany Common Council in 1811. Over the last two decades this expression of the historic spring celebration of Pinkster has been enjoying a rebirth throughout the Hudson River Valley region. Please join us as we celebrate Pinkster in Albany once again!