The Wakanda Celebration is an educational event that embraces and acknowledges African Art, History, Music, Community, Culture, Tradition, Values, and African Pride. Join us for a day filled with culture, music, and excitement as we celebrate the rich heritage of Africa at the annual community event, WAKANDA CELEBRATION!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 2025
12pm – 8pm
Traphagen School
72 Lexington Avenue
Mt. Vernon NY 10552
About the Event
Immerse yourself in the rhythms of Africa with live music performances, marvel at the stunning masquerade display, and let your little ones explore the wonders of the children’s village. Discover the beauty of African fashion, lifestyle, and textiles at our exclusive exhibition, and support local artisans and vendors showcasing their crafts.
Admission is free! Donations of any amount are welcome so that we can continue offering you great programs and performances.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey to Wakanda. Join us for a day of celebration, connection, and community!
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Children’s Village:
Engage your little ones in a world of fun and discovery with specially curated activities, entertainment and workshops just for them.
2. Live Entertainment:
Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms of Africa with live music, mesmerizing masquerade displays, energetic dance performances, and an electrifying DJ set guaranteed to keep youmoving.
3. African Fashion, Lifestyle, and Textiles Exhibition:
African Fashion, Lifestyle, and Textile Exhibition with: Makonde Art Exhibition “The Tree of Life” Showcasing the breathtaking artistry of the Makonde people. Get up close and personal with the intricate carvings and rich cultural heritage that define this incredible art form.
4. Delicious Food:
Indulge your taste buds in a tantalizing array of flavors with a mouthwatering selection of traditional African cuisine, sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
5. Vendors:
Discover unique treasures and one-of-a-kind finds as you browse through a diverse range of vendors offering everything from handcrafted goods to artisanal products, providing the perfect opportunity to take home a piece of Wakanda
The Wakanda Celebration is a festival of community, culture, and African Pride.
Join us on August 31 from 11am-9pm: (Event activities subject to change)
Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable afternoon of art, culture, and connection. We can’t wait to share this unique experience with you! See you there!
Free parking is available at Traphagen School (72 Lexington Avenue, Mt. Vernon, NY). All attendees are encouraged to park here and walk 0.5 blocks up the street to the event venue. The walk is short and convenient!
Note: Parking is exclusively at this location for the event.
2 PM – 2:15 PM Dance with Ruth Wagner
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM Princepin a vibrant American-Tanzanian singer and music composer
3 PM – 3:45 PM ODUDUWA music performance celebrating Yoruba rhythms & culture
4 PM – 4:45 PM British Dependancy Band reflecting Carribbean roots
5 PM – 5:45 PM Emerging Fashion Designers of African Descent Showcase
6 PM – 6:45 PM Orchestre MOTO Band music reflecting Congolese music
7 PM – 8 PM Live DJ and Dancing
12 PM – 5 PM The Makonde Art Exhibit | Sneak preview
Location: 375 Hawthorne Terrace
12 PM – 5 PM Beyond Borders: African Art and Local Talent Unite Exhibit
Location: 366 Hawthorne Terrace
2 PM – 5 PM Children’s Village: Engaging activities and workshops for children of all ages
Location: 375 Hawthorne Terrace
Join us for an unforgettable day and night of culture, music, and fun!
Born in Bukoba, Tanzania, Rose Luangisa came to the U.S. in 1987 and earned both a B.S. in Computer Information Systems and an MBA from IONA College. She got her start at African Family Day at Memorial Park in Mount Vernon (her U.S. hometown) and opened Luangisa African Gallery in 1996.
Over the past 25 years, she’s showcased artifacts and other crafts at those fairs, festivals, trade shows and museum events which are symbolic of Africa’s rich cultural heritage, including: Afropunk, International African Arts Festival and Dance Africa! in Brooklyn; Essence Music Festival in New Orleans; Capital Jazz Fest in Maryland, African Festival of the Arts and Arts and Crafts at the DuSable Museum, both in Chicago, African World Festival in Detroit, Newport Jazz Fest in Rhode Island, the Harlem Fine Arts Festival, the Zora Festival in Florida and many other venues.
Rose’s mission has always been to make both artisans and customers happy, to preserve African culture and traditions, and to empower and connect its people across the world.
