New Beat: Tryon Celebrates

A new festival in Tryon is flavored with African and Caribbean food and culture.

A refreshing addition to the spring festival scene unfolds this Saturday at the Depot in downtown Tryon. The first annual Afro-Fest encompasses a wide diaspora of African culture, featuring dramatic demonstrations in Capoeira (a martial arts-dance form popular in Brazil), along with live music, food, art, kids’ activities, and cultural demonstrations from African and Caribbean culture.

Festival coordinators are setting the scene to “unify the cultural cornerstones of African culture through music, film, food, and art.”

The inaugural event is characterized by a wide-open optimism, with the festival’s continued growth high in mind. There’s no admission for attendees, and even vendors get to set up for free.

“With the display of African performances, music, and food, we hope to bring a more well-rounded cultural presence into the area,” according to local black business leaders who are staging the event.

The first Afro-Fest in downtown Tryon happens Saturday, May 13. 11am-8pm. Free. See the Facebook page for more information.

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