News Summary
The 40th Original Gullah Festival will take place at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, featuring free admission, performances, workshops, and a unique exhibit. Attendees can enjoy hands-on experiences in traditional Gullah crafts, live music, an All White Attire party, and a rededication ceremony honoring Gullah ancestors. With over 25 vendors offering traditional food and crafts, the festival promises an engaging celebration of Gullah culture and traditions.
Beaufort, SC – The 40th Original Gullah Festival is set to take place from May 23-25, 2024, at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, celebrating the rich heritage and cultural traditions of the Gullah people. Admission to the festival is free for everyone, making it an accessible event for the community and visitors alike.
The festival will feature an array of performances, workshops, and educational sessions that highlight the talent and resilience of the Gullah people. Alongside the festival activities, an exhibit titled “Lest We Forget: Times to Remember” will be hosted at the Tabernacle Baptist Church, located at 901 Craven St. This exhibit will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, also free to the public.
Workshops on May 23 will offer hands-on experiences in traditional Gullah crafts, featuring instructors who specialize in Gullah She’ke’re’ Musical Instrument Making, Gullah Geechee Quilt Making, West African Doll-Making, Sweetgrass Basket Weaving, and a unique Drumming: Connecting Heart, Soul, Rhythms session. These workshops, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., will require tickets priced at $40 per person.
Another highlight of the festival is the All White Attire party on May 23, which will take place from 9 p.m. to midnight at the Waterfront Park Pavilion. Tickets are available online for $55 and at the gate for $60. Music lovers can also enjoy the Decoration Day Musical scheduled for May 24 at 3 p.m. at the Center for the Arts, with the same ticket pricing as the party.
The festival continues on Sunday, May 26, with live music from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and a Hour of Power Worship Service from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. A rededication ceremony honoring Gullah ancestors will occur at 11 a.m. at the foot of 11th Street in Port Royal. The festival will conclude with a Unity Circle at 6 p.m. and a closing concert by The Promise Land Band from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
In addition to the entertainment and educational activities, over 25 vendors will be present, offering traditional Gullah food and handmade crafts. Notable vendors participating include Buckshots 2 Go, Briele’s Catering & Events, and The Raffia Boutique.
While general admission to the festival is free, tickets for specific workshops, parties, and musical events can be purchased both online and at the gate. Gullah Tours will also be available, allowing festival-goers to gain deeper insights into Gullah heritage. On-site ticket purchasing for these tours will be offered throughout the festival.
Attendees should be aware that the festival is a rain or shine event, with no refunds in case of inclement weather. Public and paid parking options will be available, providing around 500 parking spots throughout downtown Beaufort.
The Original Gullah Festival was founded in 1986 to commemorate Decoration Day, now recognized as Memorial Day. This annual event honors African American ancestors and celebrates Gullah traditions, drawing over 35,000 attendees from around the world. Organized as a non-profit entity, the festival focuses on education, family, and the preservation of Gullah culture, securing its national recognition as a significant cultural celebration.
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Additional Resources
- Explore Beaufort SC: Gullah Festival – Culture, Food, Fun
- Island Packet: Original Gullah Festival 2024
- Your Island News: Decoration Day at Gullah Festival
- Atlanta Magazine: Must Do – The Original Gullah Festival
- Explore Beaufort SC: Sea Island Gullah Christmas Celebration
- Wikipedia: Gullah
- Google Search: Gullah Festival
- Google Scholar: Gullah Culture
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gullah
- Google News: Gullah Festival 2024
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
