This fall, communities around the Nature Sacred Network are embracing the spirit and joining in on the spooky season festivities. From harvest festivals, costume contests, pumpkin carving, to plenty of food and candy, Sacred Places are welcoming hosts for Autumn and Halloween celebrations! Some communities, such as that of Kirby Lane Park and Wangari Gardens look forward to an annual Halloween event each year, while others host celebrations and holidays most relevant their community’s cultural traditions.
Since 2021, Firesoul Donald Quarles has planned, organized and hosted an annual Fall Festival at Kirby Lane Park. Neighbors of all ages eagerly await this celebration and look forward to gathering together for food and games, pumpkin decorating, showing off festive costumes, enjoying live music, and eating lots of candy in their beautiful neighborhood oasis. Vaccination and health screening tents are also set up nearby to make sure folks have access to vaccines as cold and flu season begins. Nature Sacred photographer, Harry Connolly put together this video of Kirby Lane’s Fall Fest in 2021 showcasing the energy and joy that the community shared.
Wangari Gardens Harvest Festival brings together a large and diverse crowd from Northwest D.C. Educational sessions where visitors can learn about the produce growing at Wangari. Seed swaps, pumpkin carving, food, games and pet halloween costume contests ensure that there’s something festive and fun for everyone.
Sacred Places also serve as optimal spaces for autumn cultural traditions and gatherings. In partnership with GALA Hispanic Theatre, a theater company located in the Columbia Heights Neighborhood of D.C., Firesoul Steve Coleman organized a performance and celebration for Dia di los Meurtos in November, 2022. A parade of dancers and event participants marched from the GALA Theatre to the Sacred Place nearby, Columbia Heights Green. The festivities continued with an homage to the diverse culture and history that that the land holds, traditional songs and a performance.
