A Juneteenth tribute to Afro-Caribbean traditions in art, dance in Holyoke; plus an events listing

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HOLYOKE — Holyoke is set to come alive with art, rhythm and unity at the second Afro-Caribbean Heritage Festival Juneteenth celebration on June 13 and 14 at Lyman Park.
On both days at 4 p.m., the celebration will kick off at the park with free drumming and dance workshops for all ages and skill levels. At 6 p.m., free live performances will happen at Holyoke Media. All events are free and open to the public.
Juneteenth is a national holiday commemorating the end of slavery on June 19, 1865. The Holyoke event aims to showcase the beauty, power and contributions of Afro-Caribbean culture throughout history, while also creating a safe and inclusive space for celebration, said organizers Gloria Caballero Roca and Ivor Miller.
'This celebration is about joy, unity and cultural pride,' they said.
The event will feature Brendaliz Cepeda and Bomba de Aquí from Holyoke, known for Puerto Rican bomba music. Also performing are maestro Lazaro Galarraga, an Afro-Cuban musician from Los Angeles, and Danys 'La Mora' Pérez with her dance group from New York City.
Throughout history, artists have played a crucial role in society uniting communities, shaping culture and politics, Caballero Roca said. Highlighting their artistry at the Juneteenth event in Holyoke this year was important to Caballero Roca and Miller because of potential federal budget cuts to school programs in music, dance and art. These programs help students from different cultures express themselves, she said.
'It's important to find commonalities. Without them, it will be harder to unite, organize and mobilize,' she said. 'Not just for Black or Caribbean people, but for all human beings. This division weakens us.'
Keeping these programs and traditions alive and in place in the community help maintain that unity, she said.
'Art and culture are powerful tools for protest, and this year's Juneteenth celebration will highlight its role in advocating for social justice,' said Caballero Roca. 'By coming together, we can use our voices to speak up for our needs and reclaim our identity — not just as dancers or singers, but as politicians, intellectuals, and parents.'
Caballero Roca said this feeling of unity should organically foster meaningful conversations among event attendees, which in turn, pays tribute to the ancestors who built a foundation for a diverse world and interdependence as human beings.
Interdependence is especially important in today's society, when diversity is under attack, she said.
'Society often feels siloed. We need to value our diversity and recognize our shared humanity. ... When we come together, we can protest and stand strong, whether in Holyoke, Los Angeles or Gaza, and acknowledge our struggles and find empowerment in our unity, just as Christ did,' she said. To political leaders, the Juneteenth message is clear: ''We are human beings, and we won't vote for you anymore.''
Caballero Roca said last year's Juneteenth event had about 200 attendees. This year, Miller and Caballero Roca hope for even more, by extending the invitation to all residents in Western Massachusetts and other New England states.
Thursday:
12 p.m.: Kickoff the fifth Juneteenth Jubilee at the Black Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Mason Square, Springfield. The event honors Black Vietnam veterans with a special ceremony.
Friday:
12 to 7 p.m.: Jubilee Festival, Blunt Park, Springfield. There will be music, dance, food and community activities.
Sunday:
Father's Day Brunch: Dunbar Community Center, Oak Street, Springfield.
June 19:
4 to 5 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Juneteenth Mural Bus Tours, Mason Square Library, Springfield. Tour Springfield's vibrant murals on a vintage double-decker bus.
12 to 3 p.m.: Celebrate Juneteenth with Wistariahurst Museum and Genuine Culture, at Wistariahurst Gardens, 238 Cabot St., Holyoke. Participate in games, art projects and face painting.
7 p.m.: American Black Film Festival short films, Amherst Cinema at 28 Amity St. A selection of short films from the film fest will be screened at the Amherst Cinema in celebration of Juneteenth.
5 to 9 p.m.: 16th Juneteenth Jubilee, St. Brigid's Church, 43 North Prospect St. The event will featuring live music, dance, and cultural cuisine.
June 21:
7 p.m.: Organix Soul: The Soul Sessions, Pan African Historical Museum, Tower Square, Springfield. Enjoy live music and spoken word poetry in an intimate setting.
June 22:
2 to 5 p.m.: Sensory Friendly Sunday Funday, Wistariahurst Museum, Holyoke. Learn about Juneteenth in a sensory-friendly environment.
Read the original article on MassLive.