Explore the traditions of Carnival as it traveled from Europe to Central and South America. Learn how this ancient tradition has evolved with each culture that has adopted the celebration. Join us for unique food, masks, music and dance!
The programs are in English with Portuguese vocabulary sprinkled throughout.
We provide a Spanish and Portuguese description for this event.
Story Time Live: Dance Along to Carnival, 10am
Recommended for ages 3-8
Join the Van Buren branch of the Newark Public Library for an adventure through the sights and sounds of Carnival with a reading of Nini at Carnival. Then learn some simple samba steps with the Afro Brazilian Cultural Center of New Jersey.
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Venice and its Carnival: A Tale of Masks, Noon
Recommended for all ages
Join Ca’ Macana from Venice, Italy, for the fascinating history of the Venetian Carnival, the stories of famed masks, and a demonstration of traditional plaster mask making.
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Carnival: Brazilian-style with Samba and Capoeira, 2pm
Recommended for all ages
Join us to experience the Afro-Brazilian folkloric dances of samba and capoeira, an Afro Brazilian martial art that combines dance, music and acrobatics. Each performance includes live percussion and traditional instruments for an exciting and engaging experience. In partnership with the Afro Brazilian Cultural Center of New Jersey.
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Carnival Street Food with Auntie Wendy, 3:30pm
Recommended for all ages
Does thinking about Carnival make your mouth water? Join Chef Wendy Regisford from Auntie Wendy’s Food Catering in her kitchen as she shows us how to recreate Caribbean Carnival street foods at home. Watch as she creates jerk chicken, bake and shark sandwiches, and for dessert, pholourie.
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Caribbean Beats with Marcy DePina, 7pm
Recommended for ages 16+
Tonight we travel to the Caribbean! DJ Marcy DePina will lead you on a Carnival adventure through the sounds and movement that make this celebration so much fun.
Experience a Carnival dance from the Dominican Republic with Deborah Fogo, then travel to Trinidad to marvel at stilt dancing with Kaisokah Moko Jumbies, and finish your adventure with a stop in Haiti with amazing dancer and musician Romainson Romain.
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Masquerade Mask Making
Recommended for all ages
Join the celebration with your own Carnival masquerade mask. Simply print and cut it out, then start decorating using the suggested patterns, designs and materials. Make it special to you and share it with #NMOAathome.
Click here to download the instructions.
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