Bring the family to join in the good times when the Children’s Museum opens its doors to Carnival this weekend.
As a globally cherished cultural celebration, Carnival honors the unique traditions anddiverse identities of each community it touches.
Especially significant to Caribbean and Latin American cultures, it’s a vibrant cultural showcase of creativity and self-expression.
These themes are woven into every aspect of the museum’s festivities, with the support of New York Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, to make this occasion truly special.
“The holiday is a great entry point of learning for our community and for families. It’s so vibrant and colorful and just a happy event. So it’s fun to give opportunities for people to really celebrate,” Aimee Terzulli, the museum’s vice president for programs and visitor experience, says.
Everyone can get moving to the sounds of drums with Samba and Salsa music guided by the dancers of the Brazilian Samba Novo troupe. Towering
“Jumbie” stilt walkers, rooted as a symbol of spirit guardians, bring the magic to life as an iconic part of the Carnival celebration.
Plus, a special performance from the fourth and fifth graders at Elmont’s Dutch Broadway School will get feet jumping to the beat.
“The students have created lessons in different dances that are involved like reggae and calypso, typical for Caribbean culture,” Terzulli explains. “Generation to generation learning is powerful. We want kids teaching other kids.”
Need some fuel after all that dancing? Delicious treats — both sweet and savory — will tempt visitors, including Haitian beignets, marinades, tropical juices, and cocoa bread.
And naturally, no Carnival would be complete without a massive parade to ring in the holiday.
Families can create wearable crafts such as beaded whistles and feathery headpieces or even get their faces painted in elaborate designs to stand out in the crowd as they make their rounds through the museum.
“Costumes are often deep-rooted in cultural themes but are also a symbol of freedom and liberation, they often can mimic animals,” Terzulli says.
Guests can also create flags to show their cultural pride and represent the many countries that celebrate Carnival.
Before the parade kicks off, everyone will have a chance to decorate themed floats and even meet some very special party guests.
“We’ll have our animal specialists showing certain animals that are part of our collection and show them how some of these animals are connected to certain float themes, typically in the Caribbean or in Latin America,” Terzulli adds.
True to Carnival’s festive spirit, a King and Queen will be crowned to lead the crowd with energy and flair. But don’t worry, there’s a role for everyone — both kids and adults — to involve everyone, according to Terzulli.
“It’s about communities really coming together and celebrating different talents and roles that they have.“ she says. “Families that can learn together have tremendous value when you come together to learn something new.”
Although the holiday is celebrated at various times during the year, hosting it in March provides the perfect opportunity to embrace the changing seasons.
“In March, we’re still not quite in spring so it’s a great way to spend time with your family indoors in a very celebratory way,” Terzulli reminds everyone. The event is part of a series of cultural festivals the museum is hosting to invite Long Island communities to learn and celebrate together.
“We want people to know about each other and celebrate all the great similarities and differences that make our cultures vibrant and alive here,” Terzulli says.
