Hilton Head Island's Native Islander Gullah Celebration
Experience the Culture...Cherish the Legacy
For centuries the imprint of West African traditions
was carried over the Atlantic by thousands of Africans
who were brought to the New World to become enslaved on
plantations. The Africans found ways to preserve tradition
in every aspect of their new lives, which also allowed for
the creation and preservation of a new language. A Creole
blend of European and African tongues became known as Gullah.
Although few craft traditions have survived in daily practice,
they are emblematic of a vibrant legacy. There is the rare
shrimper who weaves cast nets and African "long-strip"
quilting continues as does the sensuous sewing of sweet
grass baskets.
Established in 1996, the Native Islander Gullah Celebration
is an annual event held during the month of February. In its
inception, the Gullah Celebration was designed to 1) create
economic development opportunities for minority business owners,
2) develop the cultural tourism market and 3) increase tourism
in February, historically the slowest month of the year. While
continued growth and expansion is strategically planned each year,
it is important to note here that these objectives are met.
The Gullah Celebration showcases rich cultural heritage of the
Gullah people and their history on Hilton Head Island. Gullah Celebration
programming includes a variety of events designed to attract local
residents, regional, national and international travelers.
The events held the second and third weekends include cultural events
in order to attract out of state travelers during the peak travel times
in the month of February. Specifically, Valentines Day, President's
Day and Winter School breaks.
For three years the Gullah celebration has been recognized by the
Southeast Tourism Society as one of the Top twenty events in the
Southeast. Each event during the Gullah Celebration incorporates
a facet of the Gullah culture. Visitors have an opportunity to
experience the food and music and receive first hand, historical
information and take a journey through the culture via the visual arts.
The Gullah Barbecue sponsored by the Self Family Arts Center offers
traditional barbecue favorites and cultural entertainment. The arts,
crafts and food expo offers cultural demonstrations, i.e., sweet grass
basket sewing, indigo dying and fishnet weaving. Vendors sell traditional
Gullah and African crafts as well as an offering of all the traditional
Gullah foods. Entertainment includes storytellers, the Gullah Stomp and
Shout, African Dance, Gospel music, popular R&B and jazz. Gospel
concerts feature traditional gospel music, negro spirituals and
highlights of the history of music as it pertains to its development
amongst the Gullah people. Panelists gathered for the cultural symposium
share the history of the Gullah culture as it relates to their
specific discipline or life-style experiences.
For additional information on group rates, special accommodations
and event packages, call the Gullah Celebration hotline:
1-877-650-0676 or visit the web site at
www.gullahcelebration.com
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