Taino Return to Drums Along the Hudson 2025

Some of the members of the Kasibahagua Taino Cultural Society after their presentation at Drums Along the Hudson 2025. Photo courtesy of Romanee Kalicharran.

New York (UCTP Taíno News) - The 23rd Annual DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON®: A Native American Festival and Multicultural Celebration took place on Sunday, June 1st, 2025 in Upper Manhattan’s Inwood Hill Park from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm, This free event was open to the public and is presented by Lotus Music & Dance in collaboration with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, sponsored in part by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York City Council. Returning to the festival this year was a special presentation by the Kasibahagua Taino Cultural Society.

Members of the group performed and had an information table presenting information on the United Confederation of Taino People. Copies of Gu'ahia Taino - We Speak Taíno dictionaries were also available.

DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON® featured an open air pow wow, which is a celebratory gathering of Native American people was led by Louis Mofsie and the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers with Host Drums Heyna Second Sons. Mohawk Elder, Tom Porter, gave the opening Thanksgiving Address and led a ceremonial Tree of Peace Planting.

This multicultural family-oriented festival combined Native American heritage with the diversity of New York City with performances of world dance and drumming tradition, featuring Kalpulli Huehuetlatolli Aztec Dancers and Drummers, Sri Lankan Dancers and Drummers, COBU All Female Japanese Taiko Drummers, Project Convergence: Tap and Bharata Natyam Dance, Fusha Dance Company and the Kasibahagua Taíno Cultural Society. Activities also included Native American crafts, storytelling and international cuisine. UCTPTN O6/8/2026