The Anancy Festival in South Florida at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum on June 24, 2023
For a fun-filled finale to Caribbean American Heritage Month this June, families across South Florida are invited to enjoy a day of Caribbean cultural activities, storytelling, mischief and laughter as the annual Anancy Festival returns. On Saturday, June 24, 2023, in celebration of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, Island SPACE Caribbean Museum at the Broward Mall, in association with Jamaicans.com, will host festivities from 11:00am to 5:00pm. The event is FREE.
During the Anancy Festival, children can participate in sessions of crafting, reading, costume-making, coloring, singing, dancing and poetry, while they learn traditional West Indian ring games and more.
Colors of Caribe Community Festival
As part of Broward Mall’s Colors of Caribe community festival, Island SPACE will also join the fun at the mall’s center court area, where a variety of other vibrant, Caribbean-themed activities will take place throughout the afternoon. Families can explore the museum’s pop-up featuring selfie stations and table games, like ludo and dominoes, for grown-ups. Guests are invited to join two free scheduled museum tours at 2:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Anancy (also spelled Anansi or Ananse), the spider man, a character from West African folklore, is a trickster known for outsmarting formidable opponents. Popular across the Caribbean and African diasporas, stories of his escapades typically teach valuable life lessons.
The Anancy Festival was created by Xavier Murphy, founder of Jamaicans.com, educator Cathy Klein and Dr. Andrea Shaw, Dean of Nova Southeastern University’s Farquhar Honors College. Since 2008, the festival has connected children of Caribbean descent, and those who enjoy diverse cultures, with West Indian traditions through story, song, dance, art and other art forms.
Register for this year’s Anancy Festival at islandspacefl.org/anancy2023.
Broward Mall, home to Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, is also celebrating the Caribbean diaspora on Saturday, June 24 with Colors of Caribe. A day of culture, fun and music, where the whole community can celebrate the spirit of the Caribbean. Colors of Caribe will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. It will feature Caribbean entertainment and activities throughout the mall.
The Anancy Festival Returns to South Florida at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum on June 25, 2022
Families across South Florida are invited to enjoy a day filled with Caribbean cultural activities as the annual Anancy Festival returns. On Saturday, June 25, 2022, in celebration of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, Island SPACE Caribbean Museum at the Broward Mall, in association with the Caribbean Edge Kids and Jamaicans.com, will host festivities from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Then, as part of Broward Mall’s Colors of Caribe community festival, Island SPACE will join the fun inside the mall, where a variety of other vibrant, Caribbean-themed activities will take place until 5:00pm.
At the start of the day’s events, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, children can participate in a talent show with singing, dancing and poetry, enjoy traditional West Indian ring games, interact with cultural characters, and play beloved island games like jacks and marbles. From 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, families are invited to explore the museum’s pop-up station inside the mall, featuring additional kid-friendly activities. Adults are welcome to try their hand at traditional Caribbean pastimes like ludo, dominoes and cards on the museum’s patio throughout the day.
Anancy (also spelled Anansi or Ananse), the spider man, a character from West African folklore, is a trickster known for outsmarting formidable opponents. Popular across the Caribbean and African diasporas, stories of his escapades typically teach valuable life lessons. The Anancy Festival was created by Xavier Murphy, founder of Jamaicans.com, educator Cathy Klein and Dr. Andrea Shaw, Dean of Nova Southeastern University’s Farquhar Honors College. Since 2008, the festival has connected children of Caribbean descent with the traditions of their ancestors through story, song, dance, art, crafts, poetry, book readings and other art forms.
Caribbean Edge Kids is a Facebook Live series dedicated to cultivating cultural intelligence in children. Its hosts will lead the children’s activities throughout the day.
Learn more about this year’s Anancy Festival at islandspacefl.org/anancy2022.
Broward Mall is celebrating the Caribbean diaspora on Saturday, June 25 with Colors of Caribe, a day full of culture, fun and music, where the whole community can celebrate the spirit of the Caribbean. Colors of Caribe will take place from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, and feature Caribbean-centric entertainment and activities at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum and throughout the mall.
Support for Island SPACE has been provided by Broward Mall, Florida Power & Light Company, Grace Foods, the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the National Endowment for the Arts and the following Funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Mary N. Porter Community Impact Fund, Jack Belt Memorial Fund, Ginny and Tom Miller Fund, Stearns Weaver Miller Fund for the Arts, Harold D. Franks Fund.
The 10th Annual Anancy Festival South Florida – June 30, 2018
Anancy Festival 2018
On Saturday, June 30, 2018 at 1 p.m., South Regional BC Library will host their annual Anancy Festival. The program will feature Caribbean and African cultural experiences include a drumming fingers demonstration, games, songs, arts & crafts, face painting, storytelling, refreshments and more.
The Anancy Festival, named for Anansi the Spider, the West African trickster of folklore, is a celebration of Caribbean-American culture that’s geared toward children and teens. The festival provides a unique way for youngsters to learn about their cultural heritage and experience a rich collection of stories, music and dance.
The South Regional – BC Library is located at 7300 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL 33024. Call 954-201-8825 for more information.
For more information about Broward County Libraries, visit broward.org/library
Sponsors for the event include: Louise Bennett- Coverley Heritage Council (FLA) Inc., Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill, Jamaican Women of Florida, Grace Kennedy, Friends of South Regional Broward College Library and Broward County Library.