Bimbé History & Traditions

Bimbé History

In 1969, a group of African American students from local Universities and community members met together to discuss the need for a cultural arts festival for the residents of Durham. Months of planning and hard work brought together the first ever Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival – held originally at Duke Gardens.

The origin of Bimbé rooted from the West African festival of harvest celebration. During the celebration families would give thanks by sharing their best fruits within the villages. The fruit sharing was accompanied with drums, songs and dance. This is a tradition that is still practiced by many villages in the Caribbean.

The second year of Bimbé took place at Hillside Park, which led to more community involvement. In the early 1980’s Bimbé was then moved to the campus of NCCU which grew even more in attendance and sponsorship. By 1995 the festival moved to UDI Industrial Park near Fayetteville Street and a year later, to the Durham Athletic Park. In 2003 Bimbé moved to Downtown Durham at the CCBC Plaza. Currently, the festival is held at Rock Quarry Park to showcase one of Durham’s beautiful parks, and to have the open space to provide the wide range of activities for the over 10,000 participants that attend. One thing remains, after each move, Bimbé has never stopped gaining attention from the community and continues to be a staple for celebrating African Art and Cultural Traditions.

Continuing the Tradition

On Saturday, May 19, 2018, swing by Rock Quarry Park from noon to 8 p.m. and enjoy live music, food and family activities as we celebrate the 49th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival. You won’t want to miss our amazing headliner, SWV (Sisters With Voices). You can also listen to a stellar line up of artists in genres such as smooth R&B, Reggae, Hip Hop and soulful Jazz. Performances will include acts from Johnny White & the Elite Band, T-Niquole & Blaque Suede, Ras Medy, Shursoundz, and Uptown Swagga Band.

Don’t forget to check out some of our other festival highlights including the Natural Health & Beauty Corner, sponsored by Organeyez'd Stylez Salon. Professionals will be on site to provide demonstrations with Q&A. We also welcome Sonofsimba, who is a live artist that will be painting to the music throughout the festival. There will also be a tribute for Artist Ernie Barnes, Book Giveaway and Library Card Registration, Family Fun Zone, and the Blue Green Machine to fill up your water bottles.

For more information and to view the schedule for the 49th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival, click here.