Afro-Diasporic Ocean Festival at Rockaway Beach

Welcome to the Afro-Diasporic Ocean Festival at Rockaway Beach Amphitheater!

Join us on Sat Jul 26 2025 from 12:00 - 8:00 PM for a day filled with music, dance, food, and celebration of African, Afro-Latinx, and Afro-Carribbean cultures.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms and traditions of the African diaspora while enjoying the beautiful ocean views at Rockaway Beach. Don't miss out on this unique cultural experience!

FEATURING...

Roda Capoeira and Samba Workshop

This year we are featuring: Quilombo do Acupe Capoeira Group, an Afro-Brazilian capoeira group.

Quilombo do Acupe represents Capoeira Angola rooted in its African origins through Salvador, Bahia. Since 1989 the group has been instrumental in the preservation of the art form and its dissemination around the world. The group continues the legacy and teachings of Mestre Marron, disciple of Mestre João Pequeno.

The group recognizes Capoeira Angola as a liberartory art form and source of power against opress in its various forms. Quilombos began and represent a profound history of resistance and autonomy in Brazil, where communities of escaped enslaved peoples found sanctuary and self-governance, free from colonial rule.

This historical reference highlights the importance of Capoeira as a tool for empowerment, resilience, and community building, embodying art's transformative power in fostering hope, discipline, and purpose.

Panel Discussion Hosted by afrolatin@ forum

The afrolatin@ forum will be joining us to share a dynamic panel discussion.

The afrolatin@ forum enters Blackness within Latinidad and focuses on Latin@s of African descent in the United States to provide a bridge that expands our understanding of the African Diaspora.

They support the struggle for racial and social justice through dialogue and action by engaging communities, forging coalitions, creating accessible educational materials, and organizing public events.

Special Performance Guests TBA!