August 24-26, 2012
Enjoy sights, sounds and tastes of the African-Caribbean at Goombay!, a free weekend festival in August in downtown Asheville. Held on Market and Eagle Streets, Goombay! brings a variety of entertainment that delights every festival-goer. From steel drums, African-America dancers, local gospel groups, and contemporary rhythm Bands. Enjoy an authentic Caribbean meal at "Island of Delight" Café and see vendors line the streets with everything from ice cream to third world crafts.
Goombay! is as a Cultural Expression of a people, erduring slavery days in Bermuda. Both music and rhythm were brought form Africa and West Indies. The original dancers used a skin-covered drum that was called "Gombey" meaning rhythm. In the Bahamas the word is "Goombay" and in Jamaica, the dance is known as "Gumbay". The Goombay dancers wear colorful costumes and high headdresses topped with feathers. Often times, grotesque masks help to enhance the free and exotic movements.
The African-Caribbean style festival is brought to Asheville by the YMI Cultural Center, Asheville Parks and Recreation Department, North Carolina Arts Council, Community Arts Council of WNC and the Friends of the YMI Cultural Center.
Goombay Schedule
Friday 12 Noon until 9:30 PM
Saturday 12 Noon until (Parade at noon) 10 PM
Sunday 11 AM until 6 PM
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