BELOVED BY THE RIVER: A Celebration of Ancestral Joy, Culture, and Community
Legacy Women NYC, Afro-Dominican palos • Alma Moyo, Puerto Rican Bomba
Mvuka Ya Raíces, Haitian Rara • PSF (Plena Sin Fronteras), Puerto Rican Plena •
Families, culture bearers, and community members are warmly invited to gather for Beloved by the River, a vibrant afternoon of ceremony, Afro-Caribbean cultural and folkloric music, and family-friendly activities on Saturday, May 23, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at {DuYe Moves on} the historic Governors Island, {at 405A} Colonel’s Row Building.
Hosted by DuYe Moves community art house and Legacy Women, a Women’s Afro-Caribbean drum troupe, Beloved by the River is a communal offering of love, culture, remembrance, and celebration. Everyone is welcome to come as you are, bring your family & friends, percussions & instruments and picnic goodies to share in an afternoon of rhythm, joy, and connection. Afro-Diasporic cultural practices strengthen families and communities through storytelling, music, movement, and traditions that build identity, belonging, and intergenerational connection.
This intergenerational celebration honors ancestral traditions, healing, and collective joy through live performances, cultural arts, and hands-on experiences for all ages. Attendees can look forward to a dynamic lineup of activities and experiences.
Event Highlights
Opening ceremony and community gathering
Live drumming and music performances
Taíno-inspired face painting for children
Giant bubbles and interactive play
Head wrapping demonstrations and cultural adornment
Family-friendly arts and cultural engagement throughout the day
Acts of love and appreciation by and for the audience
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
DuYe Moves
405A Colonels Row,
New York, NY, 11231 (map)
$10 Suggested Donation
Directions
By Subway
1 Train to South Ferry Station
R/W Train to Whitehall St. Station
4 and 5 Train to Bowling Green Street
Head towards the Staten Island Ferry to the left you'll see the sign for...
Governors Island Ferry
The ferry leaves every half hour - Click for Schedule
The Ferry is FREE:
Before 10:30am
Older Adults 65 and over
Children 12 and under
Residents of NYCHA housing
IDNYC holders
Military servicemembers (former and active)
Directions to Colonel's Row in House 405
~ Take a right at the top of the hill.
~ Left turn after after passing QCNY Spa.
~ Walk down Colonel's Row until you see House 405A.