On Sunday, May 17, the Bergen County Historical Society (BCHS) will be hosting Pinkster, a Jersey Dutch celebration of spring. The event will be taking place at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge, New Jersey from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
The spring festival transports guests back to a time when “country folk celebrated greening woodlands and flowering meadows with a dance around the Maypole and sporting contests.” The event will begin at 1:15 p.m. with a pouring ceremony from BCHS Trustee Muriel Roberts to honor departed ancestors.
At 2:30 p.m., Roberts will give a talk on how the Jersey Dutch Celebration became the first African American holiday. Pinkster was brought to the United States by Dutch settlers in the 1620s, particularly in northern New Jersey and New York. These areas were heavily populated by enslaved Africans, who were given a day off during the holiday, using it as a time to gather and reunite amongst family. After incorporating their own cultures into it, Pinkster would eventually be described as an African-American holiday by the 1800s.
The Tricorne Dance Ensemble will be dancing under the Maypole at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m., as part of the celebration. They will also be performing a series of 18th century dances, in addition to music being played throughout the festival.
Tickets for the festival cost $12.50 for adults, $7.50 for students and free for BCHS members. To purchase and learn more about the festival, visit https://www.bergencountyhistory.org/event-details/pinkster-spring-festival-at-hnbl.