Alexandria’s Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities will host Africa FEST, a celebration of the African Heritage through dance, music, cultural exhibits, and food. This free family-friendly festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 8, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Ave, Alexandria, VA). Plan to visit the cultural exhibits and participate in the free interactive activities which will be available throughout the day. Food, crafts, and other items from various regions of Africa will be for sale.
Eme and Michael, hosts of Jolly Papa Radio Station will serve as co-master of ceremonies for Africa FEST. The day’s festivities include a Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony; performances by Ni Dembaya West African Drum and Dance Company; a Parade of Nations showcasing Africa’s 55 countries symbolizing unity and pride; Cheick Hamala Diabate Band from Mali; Fusion Flow, a Zimbabwe band; Ethio American Estkita Dance Group; and VUSA – Voices of Southern Africa, a community based a capella choral group specializing in songs and music from Southern Africa.
Sponsors for Africa FEST include Embassy of Nigeria; Gold Works, LLC; INTotal Health; Jolly Papa Radio Station; Kathy Wilson Foundation; Landmark Honda; and Zebra newspaper.
The Africa FEST is held in collaboration with the Smithsonian National African Museum of Art, the African Union Mission to the USA, the Pan African Diaspora Women’s Association, the Alexandria Black History Museum, the Alexandria Office of the Arts, and several African Embassies.
