Goombay has arrived! The festival, sponsored by the YMI Cultural Center, is a multicultural celebration honoring the diverse heritage of African Americans living in Asheville and Western North Carolina. Vendors on Eagle and Market Streets (a.k.a. “the block”) in downtown Asheville, offer an array of colorful treasures including vats of bright-yellow shea butter, incense, African dresses and shirts, beaded necklaces, earrings, rings, hand-made drums, baskets, sculpture, aromatic oils and instruments galore. For a schedule of events, check out “Back on the block,” an article featured in the week’s issue of the Xpress.
Festivities kick off Friday afternoon, Aug. 27 and continue through Sunday, Aug. 29.
Here are a few festival photos taken on Friday afternoon:
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